Malagasy Ant Lion vs Green Shield Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Malagasy Ant Lion | Green Shield Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Palpares lenticularis | Chlidonoptera lestoni |
| Order | Neuroptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 60-80 mm wingspan | 30-45 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Madagascar | Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Malagasy Ant Lion
A large neuropteran with broad, spotted wings that resemble those of a dragonfly. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights, while larvae dig conical pit traps in sandy soil.
Did You Know?
Larvae sit buried at the bottom of their funnel-shaped sand traps and flick sand grains at prey to prevent escape.
Green Shield Mantis
A flat-bodied mantis from West Africa with a wide, shield-shaped pronotum. Its flattened body helps it press tightly against tree bark for camouflage.
Did You Know?
Its shield-like pronotum is proportionally one of the widest of any mantis species.