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Wildlife Spotting

Photo by JackWanamaker
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The ID on this one is up for debate, it appears to be a small mantis with lichen-like camouflage.

Habitat:

Dry creek bed in a rocky grassland.

Notes:

It ran jerkily, feigning steps and rocking in place every once in awhile.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
JackWanamaker
Thanks for the suggestion ForestDragon, I am still uncertain but I do agree the body shape and cryptic coloration points towards Amorphoscelidae. One piece of information which might help with an ID is the way that this creature moved. It ran jerkily, feigning steps and rocking in place sometimes.
ForestDragon
Jack and Argy, I must disagree, I think this is a Mantid. The shape of the head, thorax and front legs are telling to me. The body shape is consistent with Mantids from Family Amorphoscelidae. http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_mantids/Amorphoscelidae.htm The Thread-legged Bugs are similar but have very narrow heads compared to the Mantids. The front legs are also much thinner.
Mark Ridgway
Just had a quick look with no luck on species. Noticed a few 'new' ones in WA however - might be one of those? :-) Good luck with the search.
JackWanamaker
Thanks for the lead! This one isn't quite as thread-legged as the variety you spotted, but I think you're right about the type.
Mark Ridgway
Hi jdub2348. This is one of the thread-legged bugs. It's an insect that actively hunts spiders and knows how to tickle their webs to bring them out - a type of assassin bug :-) Here's one I saw a while back http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/15898123

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Biodiversity of The Kimberley
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 17, 2013

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