Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly vs Egyptian Conehead Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly Egyptian Conehead Mantis
Scientific Name Brennania belkini Empusa egena
Order Diptera Mantodea
Family Tabanidae Empusidae
Size 1-1.5 cm 45-60 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions United States Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Belkin's Dune Tabanid Fly

A rare horse fly known only from the El Segundo sand dunes in Los Angeles County. Larvae develop in the sand and adults are seldom encountered.

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Did You Know?

Most of the El Segundo dunes were destroyed to build Los Angeles International Airport.

Egyptian Conehead Mantis

A slender pale mantis found in arid regions of northeastern Africa and the Middle East. Its body coloring matches the dry, sandy environments it inhabits.

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Did You Know?

It can survive in extremely arid conditions by obtaining moisture entirely from its prey.