Old World Screwworm vs South American Dead Leaf Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Old World Screwworm | South American Dead Leaf Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysomya bezziana | Acanthops falcataria |
| Order | Diptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Acanthopidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 40-55 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Parasites | Omnivores |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia | Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Old World Screwworm
An obligate wound parasite of mammals found across Africa and Asia. Larvae invade wounds and feed on living tissue causing severe myiasis.
Did You Know?
Unlike the New World screwworm, no sterile insect program has yet successfully eradicated this species.
South American Dead Leaf Mantis
A spectacular dead leaf mimic from South American forests with crumpled, leaf-shaped wings. Its brown, withered appearance makes it almost indistinguishable from a curled dead leaf.
Did You Know?
Even its raptorial legs have flattened extensions that resemble leaf fragments.