Egyptian Mantis vs Sheep Ked
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Egyptian Mantis | Sheep Ked |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Miomantis paykullii | Melophagus ovinus |
| Order | Mantodea | Diptera |
| Family | Mantidae | Hippoboscidae |
| Size | 40-55 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, North America | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Egyptian Mantis
A small to medium green mantis native to Africa that has become established in parts of the southern United States. Females are notorious for always cannibalizing males during mating.
Did You Know?
Female Egyptian mantises cannibalize the male in nearly 100% of mating attempts, making them one of the most sexually cannibalistic animals known to science.
Sheep Ked
A completely wingless, tick-like blood-sucking fly that lives permanently in sheep wool. Its flattened body and strong claws allow it to cling firmly to wool fibers.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a ked or tick, it is actually a true fly that has completely lost its wings through evolution.