Silenus Oxysternon vs African Devil Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silenus Oxysternon African Devil Mantis
Scientific Name Oxysternon silenus Idolomantis lobiceps
Order Coleoptera Mantodea
Family Scarabaeidae Empusidae
Size 18-28 mm 75-100 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions South America Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Silenus Oxysternon

A large, robust dark green to black tunneling dung beetle with a broad thorax and powerful forelegs. Males bear a cephalic horn and pronotal ridges. An ecologically important species in Neotropical forest ecosystems.

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Did You Know?

Studies show this beetle can bury over 90 percent of a dung pat within 48 hours in undisturbed forest.

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.

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Did You Know?

Its head lobes are among the most developed in the family, providing exceptional camouflage.