Tunisian Desert Mantis vs Stick Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tunisian Desert Mantis Stick Mantis
Scientific Name Eremiaphila berndstiewi Popa spurca
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Eremiaphilidae Mantidae
Size 15-22 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Tunisia Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

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.

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.