Common Ghost Mantis Phyllocrania paradoxa
(c) Tommy Andriollo, some rights reserved (CC BY)
OrderMantises (Mantodea)
FamilyTypical Flower Mantises (Hymenopodidae)
GenusGhost Mantises (Phyllocrania)
This tiny African predator has mastered nature's ultimate vanishing act. Its leaf-like body perfectly mimics a dry, weathered leafβcomplete with surface texture that deceives even insects crawling directly toward its raptorial claws. One of just three species in its genus, each has evolved this remarkable camouflage independently. It's so convincing that prey walks willingly into the trap, completely unaware a hunter waits among the dead leaves.
Think you can identify this one in the wild?
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