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Leaf Mantid

Phyllocrania Paradoxa

Photo by Elsa van Eck
Published on Project Noah
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-36.8566, 25.4636

Field Notes

Description:

Large (body length 44 mm). Sexes differ in appearance.Males slender and mottled brown with dark shoulders and darker cross on hind wings. Females heavier, with triangular lateral flanges on pro-thorax and abdomen and no cross on fore wings. Head has long, erect, wavy dorsal projection. Legs ornamented with prominent leaf-like lobes. Egg case long, flattened and narrow.

Habitat:

Subtropical vegetation and along forest margins.

Notes:

Biology: Superb mimic of dead leaves, remaining motionless while waiting for prey to come within grasp. May make swaying movements to mimic wind-blown vegetation.

Species ID Suggestions

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Photographed
PublishedSeptember 28, 2021

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