Empusidae – The Conehead Mantises

Empusidae are atypical mantises with a fantastical appearance. Their bodies are adorned with leafy protrusions, spiny legs, and their still posture renders them nearly invisible in their environment. The most well-known species in Europe is *Empusa pennata*, recognizable by the male’s feathery (pectinate) antennae. These mantises are found in hot, dry, open habitats such as garrigues, Mediterranean grasslands, or flower-covered embankments. They hunt in ambush, blending into stems and flowers. Their striking look and ambush behavior make them a grail for macro enthusiasts.

April 5, 2025 | Translations:

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Characteristics

Very slender body with leafy extensions
Cone-shaped protrusion on the head
Well-developed raptorial forelegs, spiny and dentate
Very long prothorax allowing wide head mobility
Mimetic colors: beige, brown, pale green
Feathery antennae in males, threadlike in females

Habitat

Empusidae are found in:

Dry fallow fields, garrigue, scrub
Embankments, pathsides, sunny edges
Mediterranean or arid regions
Low vegetation (herbs, dry bushes)

Biology

Strict predators, ambushing prey in vegetation
Diurnal activity, often motionless in ambush posture
Sexual reproduction, sometimes followed by sexual cannibalism
Ootheca laid on vegetation, rocks, or solid structures
Hemimetabolous development (successive molts)

Flagship species

Empusa pennata – Found in southern Europe (Spain, southern France, Italy), recognizable by:
- Very slender silhouette
- Cone-shaped cephalic extension
- Feathery male antennae
- Spectacular camouflaged postures

Special Features

Exceptional camouflage, mimicking twigs or dry grass
Distinctive motionless postures
Slow, cautious movements except when striking prey
Often protected or monitored species in Europe

Genus Empusa

Empusa pennata


Order	Mantodea
Family Mantodea	Empusidae
Genus	Empusa
Species	pennata
Common name	Conehead mantis
Identifier	Thunberg
Year of description	1815
IUCN Category (2001–2003)	Not classified
Color	brown – green
Min size (mm)	50
Max size (mm)	67
Period start	May
Period end	August
Range	Mediterranean Basin