Giant African Mantis vs Lichen Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant African Mantis Lichen Mantis
Scientific Name Sphodromantis gastrica Pogonogaster tristani
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Thespidae
Size 70-100 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Southern Africa Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Giant African Mantis

One of Africa's largest mantis species with a robust green or brown body. It can catch prey as large as small lizards and frogs.

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Did You Know?

They have been observed catching and eating hummingbird-sized sunbirds at garden feeders in South Africa.

Lichen Mantis

A small mantis covered in mossy-looking protuberances that mimic lichen.

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Did You Know?

Its body is covered in lobes and filaments that perfectly match tree lichen.