Peruvian Leaf Mantis vs Madagascan Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peruvian Leaf Mantis Madagascan Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Pseudacanthops lobipes Xanthopan praedicta
Order Mantodea Lepidoptera
Family Acanthopidae Sphingidae
Size 40-55mm 130-150 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions South America Madagascar
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Peruvian Leaf Mantis

A mantis that perfectly mimics a green leaf complete with a leaf-shaped abdomen and wing covers with vein patterns. Its legs have leaf-like lobes. Even close inspection can fail to distinguish it from foliage.

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Did You Know?

Its abdomen is flattened and shaped exactly like a green leaf, complete with a convincing midrib and veins.

Madagascan Sphinx Moth

A hawkmoth with an extraordinarily long proboscis, endemic to Madagascar. Darwin famously predicted its existence based on a deep orchid.

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Did You Know?

Its proboscis can reach up to 30 cm long to access nectar from Angraecum sesquipedale orchids.