Habitat: Middle Eastern deserts
Status: Not Evaluated

The Common Ground Mantis or Desert Mantis (Eremiaphila braueri) isn’t your typical mantis. When I think of praying mantises I think of green bugs with huge eyes… not fat-butted bugs that look more like stones than insects! Well, guess I’m going to have to reevaluate my idea of a praying mantis because this, is, in fact, one of them!

It inhabits the arid deserts of the Middle East, scurrying amongst sand and stone.The desert mantis is able to camouflage so well into its habitat that it’s almost impossible to spot, even when it’s right in front of you! I mean, can you even find it in this photo?

It took me a minute to locate that desert mantis myself! Unfortunately, since this species makes it hope in such an unforgiving place very little is known about it. I do know that the only time it really resembles a praying mantis for me is when it’s in defensive mode, as shown here:

desert mantis, common ground mantis, Eremiaphila braueri (3)

photo via: wuestenschiff.de

A pretty remarkable bug that I wish I knew more about! If anyone has any further details, please leave them in the comments! 🙂