Mediterranean Mantis vs Iranian Desert Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Mantis Iranian Desert Mantis
Scientific Name Iris oratoria Eremiaphila iranensis
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Mantidae Eremiaphilidae
Size 40-60 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Heathland Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa, Western United States Iran
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Mediterranean Mantis

A medium-sized mantis with striking eyespots on its hindwings used to startle predators. It is native to the Mediterranean but established in the western United States.

💡

Did You Know?

When threatened, it flashes vivid purple and black eyespots on its hindwings to scare predators.

Iranian Desert Mantis

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

💡

Did You Know?

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