Goblin Mantis vs Lichen Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goblin Mantis Lichen Mantis
Scientific Name Amorphoscelis pulchella Pogonogaster tristani
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Amorphoscelidae Thespidae
Size 15-25 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

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.