Goblin Mantis vs African Predatory Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goblin Mantis African Predatory Lacewing
Scientific Name Amorphoscelis pulchella Chrysopa pudica
Order Mantodea Neuroptera
Family Amorphoscelidae Chrysopidae
Size 15-25 mm 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Goblin Mantis

A tiny, cryptic mantis found on tree bark in West African forests. Its mottled brown coloring makes it virtually invisible against bark surfaces.

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Did You Know?

At less than 25 mm, it is one of the smallest mantis species in Africa.

African Predatory Lacewing

A robust lacewing found across tropical Africa in forested and cultivated areas. Adults and larvae both contribute to pest suppression.

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Did You Know?

It is frequently collected in cocoa agroforestry systems where it helps control cocoa mirids.