Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle vs Budwing Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle | Budwing Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carcinops pumilio | Parasphendale affinis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Histeridae | Mantidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Worldwide (cosmopolitan) | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle
A tiny, shiny black hister beetle commonly found in poultry houses where it preys on house fly larvae. It is an important biological control agent in livestock facilities.
Did You Know?
A single beetle can consume up to 24 house fly eggs per day, making it one of the best natural fly controls in hen houses.
Budwing Mantis
A sturdy, aggressive mantis from East Africa named for the bud-like wing stubs of the females, who are mostly flightless. Males are slender with full wings.
Did You Know?
Budwing mantises are among the most aggressive mantis species and have been observed attacking prey larger than themselves, including small lizards.