Oak Pinhole Borer vs Gambian Conehead Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oak Pinhole Borer Gambian Conehead Mantis
Scientific Name Platypus cylindrus Empusa guttula
Order Coleoptera Mantodea
Family Curculionidae Empusidae
Size 4-6 mm 45-60 mm
Habitat Gardens Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Gambia, Senegal, Mali
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Oak Pinhole Borer

A tiny ambrosia beetle that bores into oak trees and cultivates fungal gardens inside its tunnels. The only European species of its subfamily. Males guard the tunnel entrance.

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Did You Know?

One of the few farming insects in Europe, cultivating fungal crops inside tunnels bored into oak wood.

Gambian Conehead Mantis

A West African conehead mantis with spotted markings on its wings and body. It is found in savanna habitats where it perches on tall grasses.

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Did You Know?

Its spotted body pattern helps it blend with seed heads of savanna grasses.