Narrow-headed Ant vs Dead Leaf Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-headed Ant | Dead Leaf Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Formica exsecta | Deroplatys desiccata |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Formicidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 60-90 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Narrow-headed Ant
A bicolored red and black wood ant with a distinctly notched head. It builds low thatched mounds in open heathland and is declining across much of its European range.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is one of the rarest ant species and is legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Dead Leaf Mantis
Extraordinary camouflage that makes it look exactly like a dried, curled leaf — complete with brown coloring, leaf veins, and imperfections like fungal spots.
Did You Know?
The dead leaf mantis has camouflage so perfect that even its legs have flattened extensions mimicking leaf fragments, complete with fake bite marks and fungal spots.