Australian snake mantis

Kongobatha diademata is an elegant little native mantis. Hard to spot though, given the diminutive size and colouration. The pink eye stripe and mandibles are of special note here.

25 mm length

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Whoa, shaped like a rocket! Posted one year ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  I learned that some mantis species of Asia and Australia exhibit 'planking' whereby they lie flat like this, parallel with the foliage. Kongobatha diademata is a great example. I've always seen them in this position, never in the usual upright position more commonly associated with mantis. Posted one year ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Interesting specialization, reminds me of "stretch spiders". Posted one year ago

John Sullivan

Lion

Wonderful photo! And look at those eyes! Posted one year ago

The Snake Mantis

This mantis species is restricted to the East Coast of Australia, Is difficult to find due to its small size (little more than 2.5cm/1 in for an adult) and pale green coloration that closely matches the leaf color of many Eucalyptus and Angophora species where it locates.

Info 9 0

Similar species: Mantises

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman