The graceful mantis looks creepy. In addition, it is a dangerous predator that eats other insects and arthropods. Praying mantis are excellent masters of camouflage, and they also have excellent eyesight and an unusual structure of the forelimbs. Let's take a closer look at these insects by presenting a description and photos of beautiful species of mantis.
The most beautiful types of mantis:
1
Deroplatys desiccata
In the tropical forests of Malaysia, a large mantis lives, which perfectly masquerades as fallen leaves. The view was opened in 1839 by the English archaeologist and entomologist John Obadia Westwood.
The head, limbs and body of the insect look like leaves. Because of this, he received his species name - "the great mantis of wilted leaves."
2
Deroplatys lobata
Another species that masquerades as leaves. Therefore, it is also called the Dead Leaf. You can meet Deroplatys Lobata on the islands of the Pacific Ocean, in Indonesia and on the Malay Peninsula.
It is easy to be kept in captivity, but a humid microclimate resembling an ecosystem of tropical rainforests is needed. Females reach 9 cm, but males grow to 4.5 cm.
3
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii
The homeland of the pink spiked mantis is the south and east of the African continent. The insect almost merges with pink flowers, waiting for its prey among the petals.
The bright color and spikes in the lower body scare away birds from him. He has one more unusual property. He knows how to straighten his forelimbs, significantly increasing the size of his body. At rest, the length does not exceed 38 mm.
4
Heterochaeta orientalis
A resident of Africa, a mantis-thorny-eyed, with its unusual color and body shape, looks like a dry branch. This disguise allows him to flee from enemies, and easily attack his victims from an ambush.
His eyes are equipped with spikes, and therefore this species can see what is happening behind him. The giant oriental mantis grows up to 15 cm in length, and feeds on flies, butterflies and other flying Lepidoptera.
Do not miss, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an informative article about the most beautiful butterflies in the world.
5
Rhombodera basalis
The large mantis of the genus Rhombodera can be found among the rainforests of India, Thailand and Malaysia. Prefers to settle in humid and warm places. Adults grow up to 9 cm.
It differs from other types of chest shield. The color is turquoise green with a blue tint. Because of the beauty and calm nature, often become a resident of home aquariums.
6
Blepharopsis mendica
The calm, non-aggressive insect is also called the “devil flower” because of its color and body structure. It was discovered by the Danish zoologist Johann Sebastian Fabrice in 1775.
At a time of danger, wings are spread widely, limbs are raised to scare off the enemy. They live in semi-desert, as well as mountainous regions of Southeast Asia and northern Africa.
7
Idolomantis diabolica
“Damn flower,” as this species is called, is found in East African countries. It hunts from an ambush, disguising itself as flowers and leaves of shrubs and trees.
Depending on the habitat, it can change the color of the body, as well as the structure of the limbs. The most beautiful mantis, according to entomologists, has become a real “King of the mantis” because of its size and unusual color.
8
Miomantis caffra
The native land of this species is considered to be Africa, but in 1978 the species was introduced to New Zealand. Recently, this unusual mantis was discovered in Portugal.
A small living creature, growing up to 6 cm in length, hides under the leaves, waiting for the victim, and also fleeing enemies. This species has sexual cannibalism. The female eats the male immediately after mating.
9
Choeradodis rhombicollis
This unusual insect lives in mountain Peru. The thyroid mantis is very difficult to see among the green foliage, as it is easily masked by the green leaves and shoots of plants.
In total, the genus Choeradodis includes 5 species, differing in size and body structure. Some species from Peru moved to Central America, easily adapting to new living conditions.
10
Pogonogaster tristani
The habitat of the beautiful mantis is the forests of Costa Rica. The species was discovered in 1918, and named after its discoverer, entomologist P. Tristani.
A rare species that is in no hurry to appear in front of a person. Lucky in 2012, photographer Oscar Blanco, who captured an insect. Later, together with zoologists, the photographer published a whole scientific work on this rare form, providing the work with beautiful pictures and photos.
And about the most unusual insects on the planet, most-beauty.ru has prepared a fascinating article for you.
11
Phyllocrania paradoxa
These unusual insects live south of the Sahara desert. Recently, members of the Metallyticidae family have been discovered in Madagascar.
The shape of the body, its color resembles a dried leaf. Because of this, it is very difficult to see. They are small. They grow no more than 4–5 cm. At the moment of danger, they can pretend to be dead, thereby saving their lives.
12
Hymenopus coronatus
Finishes our selection on most-beauty.ru beautiful Orchid Mantis, beautiful, like an orchid flower. Naturally, it received its species name because of its similarity to a flower.
Females of this species grow up to 9 cm, but males are smaller - only up to 4 cm. You can meet them in the forests of Indonesia and India. Because of its beauty, it is in great demand among lovers of exotic insects, and often settles in terrariums of houses and zoos.
By the way, there is an interesting article about the most beautiful orchids on our site most-beauty.ru.
Conclusion
Looking at the beautiful photos of the mantis, it is clear that nature is a true craftswoman. She rewarded these insects with such an unusual appearance. Some species use camouflage to hide from predators and birds, others to attract the opposite sex. And the third ones are so unusual and I can’t believe that these are living creatures.
For those who did not have enough beautiful photos of the mantis, below we have posted a few more photos!
Posted by Valery Skiba