I often like to compare the “heavy-weights” of the mantis world by analyzing their ability to tackle different prey species of varying size, strength, and defenses.  I’ve already had the pleasure of working with several genera of what I consider mantid “heavy-weights”.

 

I’ve raised countless of Chinese mantids, Tenodera ardifolia sinensis, which typically reach 3 inches in length (though larger, it seems in southern states of the US).  Though individuals of this species reach decent size (length-wise), their forelegs are proportionately small and weak compared to most species of other genera such asSphodromantis, Sphodropoda, Hierodula,Rhomdodera, and Tamolanica.  I have attempted feeding American mud-dauber wasps to adult female Tenodera, only to fail each time.  So far, Sphodropoda seems to have the tenacity-superiority over Tenodera.

 

In comparing the strength and aggression of the large Australian mantid with Africa’s Sphodromantis lineola (commonly known as African Giant Mantis), the degree of difficulty in tackling the Australian mud-dauber wasp was similar to, however slightly higher (from my best memory) than the African mantid’s difficulty in taking down an American mud-dauber, in other words, the African mantis seemed to have a more effective strike and grip.  The large head & forelegs of S. lineola seem to make the difference.  I also vaguely recall several occasions whereS. lineola being able to take mud-daubers with only one strike, not allowing the wasp to get even one effective sting in contrast to Sphodropoda mjobergi and Tenodera ardifolia sinensis.