Lana'i Sandalwood Moth vs Algerian Desert Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lana'i Sandalwood Moth Algerian Desert Mantis
Scientific Name Iliahia pahulu Eremiaphila denticornis
Order Lepidoptera Mantodea
Family Gracillariidae Eremiaphilidae
Size 5-8 mm wingspan 25-35 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania Algeria, Morocco
Conservation Critically Endangered Data Deficient

Lana'i Sandalwood Moth

A critically endangered moth discovered in 2026, known only from a small grove of roughly 30 sandalwood trees on the island of Lanai. Its larvae mine sandalwood leaves.

💡

Did You Know?

This moth is known from just one grove of 30 trees — if those sandalwood trees disappear, this entire species vanishes with them.

Algerian Desert Mantis

A robust desert mantis with toothed antennae found in the rocky deserts of Algeria. It is among the larger species in the family.

💡

Did You Know?

Its antennae have small tooth-like projections that are unique among desert mantises.