Dead-leaf mimic mantis (Miracanthops sp.) hanging upside-down at night near Iquitos, Peru

I was very proud to spot this mantis from a few feet away at night. It looked like a bit of vegetation, obviously, but something about it didn't quite look like a bit of vegetation that belonged there. Only when I got very close did I recognize the mantis legs.

comments (10)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Glad you shared it, John, truly spectacular! Although a completely different creature, it reminds me of this:

Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
1. John Sullivan
  
  Lion
  
  Indeed! A very similar style!
  
  I saw a couple of Uroplatus phantasticus in Ranomafana also. One of them jumped in front of us and grabbed a twig with its hind legs, ending up in that same hanging-dead-leaf position. Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    You happen to have a photo of that? ;) Posted 9 years ago
  2. 1. John Sullivan
      
      Lion
      
      Indeed, posted it here:
      Posted 9 years ago

César Favacho

Green Fly

Miracanthops sp. Posted 9 years ago
1. John Sullivan
  
  Lion
  
  César, how can I tell Miracanthops sp. from Acanthops sp.? Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. César Favacho
    
    Green Fly
    
    The wings of the female Miracanthops are almost double the length of the Acanthops wings. This is the main characteristic. Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
  2. 1. John Sullivan
      
      Lion
      
      Thank you César! Posted 9 years ago

Mark Ridgway

Lion

Fantastic. It seems to have tiny pieces of lichen (mimicry?) in some corners too. Posted 9 years ago

RMFelix

Lion

Great capture! Posted 9 years ago

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