Bark Mantis vs European Stylops
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bark Mantis | European Stylops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liturgusa sp. | Stylops melittae |
| Order | Mantodea | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Liturgusidae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 20-35 mm | 2.0-4.0 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Parasites |
| Regions | South America, Central America | Europe |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Not Evaluated |
Bark Mantis
A flattened mantis species that lives on tree bark and is superbly camouflaged. Rather than ambushing prey, it actively chases insects across bark surfaces at high speed.
Did You Know?
Bark mantises are among the fastest-running mantis species and will sprint across tree bark at speeds that rival many ground-dwelling predatory insects.
European Stylops
A twisted-wing parasite of mining bees in the genus Andrena. Males are free-flying while females remain permanently embedded in the host bee.
Did You Know?
The female never leaves her host bee and only her brood canal opening protrudes between the bee's abdominal segments.