Yemeni Desert Mantis vs Early Thorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yemeni Desert Mantis Early Thorn
Scientific Name Eremiaphila zetterstedti Selenia dentaria
Order Mantodea Lepidoptera
Family Eremiaphilidae Geometridae
Size 15-25 mm 32-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia Europe
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Yemeni Desert Mantis

A small, agile desert mantis found in the Arabian Peninsula. It is adapted to extremely arid habitats with minimal vegetation cover.

💡

Did You Know?

It can bury itself partially in sand to ambush passing insects and avoid the midday heat.

Early Thorn

A moth that resembles a dead leaf when at rest, with twig-like resting posture. The spring generation is larger and darker than the summer generation. Comes readily to light.

💡

Did You Know?

When at rest, this moth perches with wings raised over its back like a butterfly, mimicking a dead leaf.