Hickory Horned Devil vs Bark Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hickory Horned Devil | Bark Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citheronia regalis | Liturgusa sp. |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Saturniidae | Liturgusidae |
| Size | 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult) | 20-35 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | South America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Hickory Horned Devil
The largest caterpillar in North America at up to 150 mm, with dramatic curved horns and fearsome appearance. Despite looking terrifying, it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Despite being the most terrifying-looking caterpillar in North America with its huge curved horns, the hickory horned devil is completely harmless — it cannot sting or bite.
Bark Mantis
A flattened mantis species that lives on tree bark and is superbly camouflaged. Rather than ambushing prey, it actively chases insects across bark surfaces at high speed.
Did You Know?
Bark mantises are among the fastest-running mantis species and will sprint across tree bark at speeds that rival many ground-dwelling predatory insects.