Scrublands across Africa create perfect semi-arid microhabitats. Examples include:
- Sahelian Scrublands (Senegal to Chad) – thorny shrubs, dry grasses, and sunny open patches.
- Somali–Masai Bushland (Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia) – acacia scrub, thorn bushes, and warm, windy conditions.
- Southern African Mopane Scrub (Botswana, Zimbabwe) – dominated by mopane shrubs and dry woodland patches.
These areas provide:
- Thorn bushes and dry shrubs
- Warm sun patches for thermoregulation
- Sparse humidity without excessive moisture
Ghost mantises often perch on dry stems and twiggy branches within these scrub zones to blend in with dead foliage.
Microhabitats They Prefer
Within each ecosystem, they favor:
- Low shrubs and small bushes
- Dried leaves hanging from branches
- Areas with consistent but gentle airflow
- Light-shaded spots protected from large predators
They rarely live on the ground; instead, they stay at mid-height vegetation where leaf clusters provide camouflage and ambush opportunities.
