Pale Tussock vs African Devil Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pale Tussock | African Devil Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Calliteara pudibunda | Idolomantis lobiceps |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Erebidae | Empusidae |
| Size | 40-65 mm wingspan | 75-100 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Pale Tussock
A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.
African Devil Mantis
A large, lobed mantis from the dry forests of central East Africa. It has pronounced lobes on its head and legs that create a leaf-like silhouette.
Did You Know?
Its head lobes are among the most developed in the family, providing exceptional camouflage.