It inhabits sub-arid thorn scrub, in the Madagascar spiny forests ecoregion, particularly areas with large amounts of dead wood, from sea level to 100 m (330 ft).

It was uplisted from Least Concern to Near Threatened in 2022 as it is experiencing moderately rapid population decline owing to habitat degradation and loss within its range.

The head of the male is black with a white crown, throat, breast and belly and grey wings and back.

[4] Lafresnaye's vanga feeds on insects such as beetles and cockroaches, worms and small reptiles.

They carefully search fallen or otherwise dead branches and trees for prey, probing and gleaning from bark, inside crevices and off twigs.