Wandering Desert Mantis vs Yellow-winged Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wandering Desert Mantis Yellow-winged Darter
Scientific Name Eremiaphila cerisyi Sympetrum flaveolum
Order Mantodea Odonata
Family Eremiaphilidae Libellulidae
Size 15-25 mm 32-37 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Middle East Europe, Asia
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.

Yellow-winged Darter

A medium-sized darter with extensive saffron-yellow patches at the base of all four wings. Males are red-bodied while females are yellowish.

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Did You Know?

It breeds in temporary flood meadows and is a strong migrant that appears in large numbers in good years.