Japanese Snakefly vs Lichen Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Snakefly Lichen Mantis
Scientific Name Inocellia japonica Pogonogaster tristani
Order Raphidioptera Mantodea
Family Inocelliidae Thespidae
Size 12-18 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Japanese Snakefly

An East Asian snakefly with the characteristic elongated neck-like prothorax. It is one of the few snakefly species found in the Far East, near the order's eastern range limit.

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Did You Know?

Raphidioptera are completely absent from the Southern Hemisphere, an unusual distribution pattern among insect orders.

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.