Toxodera integrifolia
| Distribution: | Southeast Asia |
| Size: | 160mm |
| Diet: | Other bugs (mainly butterflies and moths) |
Most mantises in the genus Toxodera are camouflaged to resemble sticks (often with leaves and thorns, courtesy of various protrusions on their abdomens), as you can probably imagine given their slender bodies and appendages. They are typically mottled green and brown, further aiding the deception. T. integrifolia, however, has bold red and yellow colouration, which is thought to give it the appearance of a flower instead.
Sadly I was unable to get hold of a specimen to work from, so this illustration is based on a couple of reference photos I found online.
Take a closer look…
