Tunisian Desert Mantis vs Black Carpet Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tunisian Desert Mantis Black Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name Eremiaphila berndstiewi Attagenus unicolor
Order Mantodea Coleoptera
Family Eremiaphilidae Dermestidae
Size 15-22 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Indoors
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Tunisia Worldwide
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Tunisian Desert Mantis

A recently described desert mantis from southern Tunisia. It has an extremely flattened body that helps it hide under stones and in crevices.

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Did You Know?

It was only described as a new species in 2012, showing how poorly known desert mantises remain.

Black Carpet Beetle

A small, oval, dark brown to black beetle that is a major pest of textiles and natural fibers. Larvae are covered in long brown hairs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive up to a year without feeding if conditions are dry.