Fluted Cape Stag Beetle vs African Devil Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fluted Cape Stag Beetle African Devil Mantis
Scientific Name Colophon primosi Idolomantis lobiceps
Order Coleoptera Mantodea
Family Lucanidae Empusidae
Size 18-28 mm 75-100 mm
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South Africa Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania
Conservation Endangered Data Deficient

Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

A small, flightless, dark brown stag beetle restricted to a single mountain in the Cape region of South Africa. Males have short, broad mandibles with a single inner tooth. It is threatened by illegal collecting and climate change.

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Did You Know?

Illegal collecting of Colophon species for the lucrative insect trade has led to CITES protection for the entire genus.

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.