Saddleback Caterpillar Moth vs Costa Rican Dead Leaf Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saddleback Caterpillar Moth | Costa Rican Dead Leaf Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acharia stimulea | Acanthops centralis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Limacodidae | Acanthopidae |
| Size | 26-35 mm wingspan | 35-48 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Costa Rica, Panama |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Saddleback Caterpillar Moth
A dark brown moth best known for its extraordinary caterpillar, which is bright green with a brown saddle-shaped marking and venomous spines. The sting causes intense burning pain.
Did You Know?
Its sting is among the most painful of any North American caterpillar and can cause nausea in sensitive individuals.
Costa Rican Dead Leaf Mantis
The only Acanthops species found in Central America, extending the genus's range northward. It inhabits lowland wet forests of Costa Rica and Panama.
Did You Know?
It represents the northernmost range limit of the entire dead leaf mantis genus.