Black Sexton Beetle vs African Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sexton Beetle African Mantis
Scientific Name Necrophorus vespilloides Sphodromantis viridis
Order Coleoptera Mantodea
Family Silphidae Mantidae
Size 12-18 mm 60-80 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Carrion Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Sexton Beetle

A remarkable burying beetle that locates small animal carcasses using acute sense of smell. Pairs work together to bury the carcass as food for their larvae. Shows sophisticated biparental care.

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Did You Know?

Both parents feed their larvae mouth-to-mouth with pre-digested carrion, like birds feeding chicks.

African Mantis

A large, powerful mantis that occurs in green or brown color forms. It is one of the most commonly kept pet mantis species due to its hardy nature.

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Did You Know?

African mantises can rotate their heads 180 degrees, giving them a near-complete field of view without moving their bodies.