Dead Leaf Mantis vs Ground Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dead Leaf Mantis Ground Mantis
Scientific Name Deroplatys desiccata Litaneutria minor
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Mantidae
Size 60-90 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dead Leaf Mantis

Extraordinary camouflage that makes it look exactly like a dried, curled leaf — complete with brown coloring, leaf veins, and imperfections like fungal spots.

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Did You Know?

The dead leaf mantis has camouflage so perfect that even its legs have flattened extensions mimicking leaf fragments, complete with fake bite marks and fungal spots.

Ground Mantis

The smallest North American mantis, well camouflaged on dry rocky soil.

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Did You Know?

It hunts by running on the ground rather than using a typical sit-and-wait strategy.