Cicada Assassin Bug vs African Ground Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cicada Assassin Bug African Ground Mantis
Scientific Name Pselliopus barberi Ligariella trigonalis
Order Hemiptera Mantodea
Family Reduviidae Liturgusidae
Size 15-20 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cicada Assassin Bug

A colorful orange and black assassin bug that specializes in hunting cicadas. It uses its powerful raptorial forelegs and venomous bite to subdue large prey.

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Did You Know?

It detects cicada prey primarily through the vibrations cicadas produce when calling for mates.

African Ground Mantis

A small mottled grey-brown mantis adapted to hunting on the ground among stones and gravel. It is remarkably well camouflaged against rocky surfaces.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mantises that wait in ambush, this species actively stalks and chases its prey across the ground.