Wandering Desert Mantis vs Hawaiian Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wandering Desert Mantis Hawaiian Damselfly
Scientific Name Eremiaphila cerisyi Megalagrion hawaiiense
Order Mantodea Odonata
Family Eremiaphilidae Coenagrionidae
Size 15-25 mm 35-45 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Middle East Hawaii
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

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.

Hawaiian Damselfly

An endemic Hawaiian damselfly with red or orange coloring found near streams. It breeds in flowing water in native forest streams.

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Did You Know?

Hawaii's damselflies evolved to breed in unusual habitats including tree holes and leaf axils.