Wandering Desert Mantis vs Cone-Head Katydid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wandering Desert Mantis Cone-Head Katydid
Scientific Name Eremiaphila cerisyi Copiphora rhinoceros
Order Mantodea Orthoptera
Family Eremiaphilidae Tettigoniidae
Size 15-25 mm 40-60 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Middle East Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Wandering Desert Mantis

A tiny, wingless praying mantis that runs across desert sand like a spider. Its flattened, sand-colored body provides excellent camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mantises, it is a ground-running predator that chases down prey rather than ambushing it.

Cone-Head Katydid

A Neotropical katydid with a long horn-like projection from its head. It is an omnivorous species active at night in tropical lowland forests.

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Did You Know?

Its horn is a hardened extension of its fastigium and may be used in combat between rival males.