Thistle Mantis

Blepharopsis mendica

''Blepharopsis mendica'' is a species of praying mantis found in North Africa, parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East and southern Asia, and on the Canary Islands. Devil's flower mantis, Egyptian flower mantis, thistle mantis, and Arab mantis are among its common names.
Mantis Gentleness (Blepharopsis mendica) Scary looking mantis waiting on a branch. Blepharopsis mendica,Insects,Macro,Mantis

Naming

*''Blepharopsis mendica mendica''
⤷ ''Blepharopsis mendica nuda'' Ethiopia, Arabialilie], Yemen, Israel, Palestine, Somalia; Afghanistan?
Mantis close look Extreme closeup of a Mantis head, giving it an alien-look. Blepharopsis mendica,Insects,Macro,Mantis

Behavior

In deimatic display, the adult rotates its head and thorax to one side, displaying the bright colours on the insides of its forelegs and the undersides of its hindwings, and holds its wings slightly spread behind the body, making it seem large and threatening.
Blepharopsis mendica - Checkered Mantis  Blepharopsis mendica,Geotagged,Israel

Habitat

This species lives in terrestrial areas like herbaceous vegetation and spiny bushes. Their color makes them well suited for mimicry of leaves, spiny or dry bushes, and vegetation in deserts due to their coloration.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderMantodea
FamilyEmpusidae
GenusBlepharopsis
SpeciesB. mendica