Arizona Unicorn Mantis vs Common Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arizona Unicorn Mantis Common Darter
Scientific Name Pseudovates arizonae Sympetrum striolatum
Order Mantodea Odonata
Family Acanthopidae Libellulidae
Size 40-55 mm 35-44 mm body length
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arizona Unicorn Mantis

A bark-mimicking mantis found in desert scrublands of the American Southwest. A small horn on its head gives it its common name.

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Did You Know?

Its rough, bark-like body texture makes it nearly invisible when clinging to a desert shrub branch.

Common Darter

Europe's most abundant dragonfly, with mature males turning bright orange-red. It is often the last dragonfly flying in autumn, sometimes into November.

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Did You Know?

Mating pairs lay eggs by repeatedly dipping the female's abdomen into the water while flying in tandem.