Black Sedge vs Gambian Conehead Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sedge Gambian Conehead Mantis
Scientific Name Silo nigricornis Empusa guttula
Order Trichoptera Mantodea
Family Goeridae Empusidae
Size 7-9 mm body 45-60 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Gambia, Senegal, Mali
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Sedge

A caddisfly whose larvae build heavy cases from sand grains cemented with silk. Found in clean, stony streams. Cases have lateral flanges of larger stones for ballast.

💡

Did You Know?

Larval cases have added flanges of larger stones that act as ballast, preventing the case from being swept away.

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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