Ant-like Flower Beetle vs Tunisian Desert Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant-like Flower Beetle Tunisian Desert Mantis
Scientific Name Anthicus antherinus Eremiaphila berndstiewi
Order Coleoptera Mantodea
Family Anthicidae Eremiaphilidae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Pollen Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Tunisia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Ant-like Flower Beetle

A tiny beetle resembling an ant, found on flowers and under debris. Has a distinctive narrowed 'neck' between head and thorax. Common but rarely noticed due to small size.

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Did You Know?

The narrow 'neck' and ant-like shape give it excellent ant mimicry that helps deter predators.

Tunisian Desert Mantis

A recently described desert mantis from southern Tunisia. It has an extremely flattened body that helps it hide under stones and in crevices.

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Did You Know?

It was only described as a new species in 2012, showing how poorly known desert mantises remain.