Dimidiata Deer Fly vs African Devil Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dimidiata Deer Fly African Devil Mantis
Scientific Name Chrysops dimidiata Idolomantis lobiceps
Order Diptera Mantodea
Family Tabanidae Empusidae
Size 8-11 mm 75-100 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions West and Central Africa Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Dimidiata Deer Fly

A medium-sized deer fly with distinctly banded wings, found in West African rainforests. It serves as a secondary vector of Loa loa alongside C. silacea. Larvae develop in muddy swamp soils near forest streams.

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Did You Know?

Wood smoke fires in villages are used traditionally to repel this fly, which is strongly attracted to dark moving objects.

African Devil Mantis

A large, lobed mantis from the dry forests of central East Africa. It has pronounced lobes on its head and legs that create a leaf-like silhouette.

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Did You Know?

Its head lobes are among the most developed in the family, providing exceptional camouflage.