West African Lantern Bug vs Pale Bark Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | West African Lantern Bug | Pale Bark Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zanna tenebrosa | Amorphoscelis pallida |
| Order | Hemiptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Fulgoridae | Amorphoscelidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm including head process | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Nigeria) | Central Africa, West Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
West African Lantern Bug
A large planthopper with an elongated head process and colorful wings. The forewings are cryptically patterned while the hindwings display bright colors when spread. Despite its name, it does not produce light.
Did You Know?
The enlarged head process was once thought to glow in the dark, giving this group its misleading common name of lantern bugs.
Pale Bark Mantis
A pale-colored bark mantis from tropical Africa that hunts on light-colored tree bark. Its translucent wings and pale body give it a ghostly appearance.
Did You Know?
Its pale coloring suggests it specializes in hunting on birch-like pale-barked tropical trees.