Goblin Mantis vs Malagasy Ghost Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goblin Mantis Malagasy Ghost Mantis
Scientific Name Amorphoscelis pulchella Phyllocrania illudens
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Amorphoscelidae Hymenopodidae
Size 15-25 mm 40-50 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria Madagascar
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.

Malagasy Ghost Mantis

A small mantis with elaborate leaf-like extensions on its head, thorax, and legs that make it nearly invisible among dead leaves. It sways slowly while walking to enhance its camouflage.

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Did You Know?

While similar to the continental African ghost mantis P. paradoxa, this Malagasy species has subtle morphological differences adapted to local leaf litter.