About African Bark Mantis
A small flat mantis with mottled grey-brown coloring perfectly matching tree bark. It presses its body flat against trunks to hunt.
Did You Know?
They run sideways across bark surfaces with remarkable speed, a behavior unique among mantises.
How to Identify African Bark Mantis
African Bark Mantis (Tarachodes afzelii) belongs to the order Mantodea, family Eremiaphilidae. Adults typically measure 25-35 mm.
African Bark Mantis Habitat
African Bark Mantis is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across West Africa, Central Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
African Bark Mantis Diet and Feeding
African Bark Mantis is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is African Bark Mantis Found?
African Bark Mantis can be found in West Africa, Central Africa, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where African Bark Mantis can be found
Is African Bark Mantis Dangerous?
African Bark Mantis is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
African Bark Mantis Role in Nature
African Bark Mantis serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About African Bark Mantis
What does African Bark Mantis look like?
The African Bark Mantis typically measures 25-35 mm.
Where is African Bark Mantis found?
The African Bark Mantis is found in West Africa, Central Africa and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does African Bark Mantis eat?
The African Bark Mantis is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is African Bark Mantis dangerous to humans?
The African Bark Mantis is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about African Bark Mantis?
They run sideways across bark surfaces with remarkable speed, a behavior unique among mantises.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). African Bark Mantis (Tarachodes afzelii). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/african-bark-mantis
MLA:
"African Bark Mantis." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/african-bark-mantis.