Eastern Forktail vs Tanzanian Conehead Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Forktail Tanzanian Conehead Mantis
Scientific Name Ischnura verticalis Empusa conversii
Order Odonata Mantodea
Family Coenagrionidae Empusidae
Size 21-33 mm 45-60 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Tanzania, Malawi
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Eastern Forktail

A small damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Young females are bright orange but turn olive-grey with age.

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Did You Know?

Young females are striking bright orange, a color they lose completely as they mature.

Tanzanian Conehead Mantis

An East African conehead mantis found in the dry woodlands of Tanzania. It has a well-developed head cone and long, spiny raptorial legs.

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Did You Know?

It is most active during the dry season when prey concentrates around remaining vegetation.