Paroster Subterranean Beetle vs Green Shield Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Paroster Subterranean Beetle Green Shield Mantis
Scientific Name Paroster macrosturtensis Chlidonoptera lestoni
Order Coleoptera Mantodea
Family Dytiscidae Mantidae
Size 2-3 mm 30-45 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Paroster Subterranean Beetle

A blind subterranean diving beetle from groundwater calcretes in the Western Australian arid zone. It is completely depigmented and lacks functional eyes.

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Did You Know?

Multiple species of subterranean Paroster have evolved independently in isolated aquifers.

Green Shield Mantis

A flat-bodied mantis from West Africa with a wide, shield-shaped pronotum. Its flattened body helps it press tightly against tree bark for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Its shield-like pronotum is proportionally one of the widest of any mantis species.