Burying Mantis (Sphodropoda tristis)

Burying Mantis, a reference photo — Photo: Graham Wise from Brisbane, Australia · CC BY 2.0 (licence)

The burying mantis (Sphodropoda tristis) is a species of mantis native to Australia. They are grey/brown or green, frequently with mottled patterning on the wings, and a have distinctive pale tubercles on the forelegs. Both sexes can reach lengths of up to 70 mm. Their common name comes from the behaviour of females, which infrequently bury their oothecae underground.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Burying Mantis being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Sphodropoda quinquedens
Cilnia humeralis
Polyspilota caffra
Dystacta alticeps

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Mantidae
Genus: Sphodropoda
Species: Sphodropoda tristis

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