False garden mantis

The Giant Green Mantis has a number of peculiarities, common to all mantids, which serve to spark the fascination of many observers. Its triangular head which bears two large compound eyes in its upper corners somewhat uncannily resembles that of the culturally accepted depiction of an alien. Furthermore, many readers would be able to relate their experience of being convinced that a praying mantis has watched them for an extended period of eye contact. These critters possess in each eye what scientists call a “pseudo-pupil”, which is in fact not a pupil but an artefact of the convergence of numerous ommatidia (tiny eyes) in their compound eyes. This structure has the effect of facilitating the illusion that the mantis is looking directly at an observer, irrespective of sudden changes in position. The pseudo-pupil may serve as a deterrent to predators, which are given the impression that they are being watched. http://museumvictoria.com.au/accessallareas/liveexhibits/