Indian Stick Mantis vs Malagasy Bark Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Stick Mantis Malagasy Bark Mantis
Scientific Name Toxodera maculata Liturgusa malagassa
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Toxoderidae Liturgusidae
Size 70-95 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions India, Sri Lanka Madagascar
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Indian Stick Mantis

A spotted stick mantis found in the forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. It has dark spots scattered along its body that mimic bark imperfections.

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Did You Know?

Its spotted pattern distinguishes it from all other Toxodera species, which are mostly plain.

Malagasy Bark Mantis

A flattened mantis that lives pressed against tree trunks, with mottled brown and gray coloring that perfectly matches bark. It runs rapidly across bark surfaces to catch prey.

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Did You Know?

Rather than ambushing prey from a stationary position like most mantises, it actively pursues insects across tree bark at surprising speed.