Slender Ant vs Stick Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Slender Ant Stick Mantis
Scientific Name Myrmica scabrinodis Popa spurca
Order Hymenoptera Mantodea
Family Formicidae Mantidae
Size 3.5-5 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Seed Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Slender Ant

A medium-sized red-brown ant with coarsely sculptured cuticle, common in grasslands across Europe. Colonies are typically monogynous with a single queen. Workers forage close to the nest in tussock grass.

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Did You Know?

This species is an important host for the Dusky Large Blue butterfly in wetland habitats across Europe.

Stick Mantis

A twig-mimicking mantis with lobed legs and bark-like body texture.

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Did You Know?

Its elongated body and flattened leg lobes make it vanish against dry twigs.