Wandering Violin Mantis vs Gambian Conehead Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wandering Violin Mantis Gambian Conehead Mantis
Scientific Name Gongylus gongyloides Empusa guttula
Order Mantodea Mantodea
Family Empusidae Empusidae
Size 60-90 mm 45-60 mm
Habitat Heathland Grasslands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Asia Gambia, Senegal, Mali
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Wandering Violin Mantis

An extremely bizarre-looking mantis with an elongated thorax, leaf-like appendages, and a violin-shaped body. It is one of the most unusual mantis species in the world.

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Did You Know?

The wandering violin mantis is one of the only mantis species known to actively attract prey by waving its leaf-like body parts to mimic wind-blown vegetation.

Gambian Conehead Mantis

A West African conehead mantis with spotted markings on its wings and body. It is found in savanna habitats where it perches on tall grasses.

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Did You Know?

Its spotted body pattern helps it blend with seed heads of savanna grasses.