Ghost Mantis vs Moroccan Desert Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ghost Mantis Moroccan Desert Mantis
Scientific Name Phyllocrania paradoxa Eremiaphila moroccana
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Hymenopodidae Eremiaphilidae
Size 40-50 mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Forests Deserts & Drylands
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Africa Morocco
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Ghost Mantis

A small mantis with elaborate leaf-like extensions on its head, body, and legs. Sways gently to mimic a leaf in the breeze. One of the most popular pet mantis species.

💡

Did You Know?

Ghost mantises gently sway their bodies to mimic leaves blowing in the wind — this cryptic behavior makes them virtually invisible to both prey and predators.

Moroccan Desert Mantis

A small mantis endemic to the stony deserts of Morocco. Its reddish-brown body matches the iron-rich desert soils of its habitat.

💡

Did You Know?

Its body color varies between populations to match the local soil color of different desert regions.