Cone Ant vs African Ground Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cone Ant | African Ground Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dorymyrmex insanus | Ligariella trigonalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Formicidae | Liturgusidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Southern United States, Mexico | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cone Ant
A fast-moving reddish-brown ant that builds distinctive cone-shaped crater nests in sandy soil. It is a common competitor with fire ants in open habitats of the southern United States.
Did You Know?
They are one of the few native ant species that can successfully compete with invasive fire ants for territory.
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.
Did You Know?
Unlike most mantises that wait in ambush, this species actively stalks and chases its prey across the ground.