Iranian Desert Mantis vs Predaceous Diving Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iranian Desert Mantis Predaceous Diving Beetle
Scientific Name Eremiaphila iranensis Cybister lateralimarginalis
Order Mantodea Coleoptera
Family Eremiaphilidae Dytiscidae
Size 15-25 mm 30-37 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Iran Southern Europe, Africa, Middle East
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Iranian Desert Mantis

A small, pale mantis endemic to the deserts of Iran. It runs rapidly across gravel plains to ambush small invertebrate prey.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few mantis species able to survive in salt flat environments.

Predaceous Diving Beetle

A large olive-green diving beetle found across southern Europe and Africa. It is a powerful swimmer that hunts a range of aquatic animals.

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Did You Know?

In some parts of Asia and Africa, large Cybister species are collected and eaten as a traditional food source.