Mantis that mimics a snake?

[Chiniensis]

This week I managed to get one of these wonderful looking beasts from the Cameron Highlands. The way she is hanging is quite natural, so far as I can tell. I have put her in a net cage with a potted guava and she hangs upside down with her abdomen curled over the leaf/branch. It may simply be an overactive imagination on my part but this looks like she is mimicking a snake or reptile head. I would certainly step back if I saw this peering back at me in the jungle! What do you think?

David



She is eating well and, since she is not young, I am hopeful of ootheca. (Always hopeful....)

 

[sally]

Yes, def looks like a snake head. Amazing.

 

[hierodula]

wow lol cool mantis dude.

 

[aNisip]

What kind of setting did you find her? (In the leaves or on bark...etc)...regardless, 真棒期待昆虫！

 

[jrh3]

that is a awdsome find.!!!!!

 

[JTHMfreak]

Nice pics!

 

[hibiscusmile]

Especially one that small, scare the bejebbers out of me!

 

[happy1892]

Wow. Is it a Parablepharis kuhlii?

 

[Chiniensis]

Yes, it is Parablepharis. As far as I can tell there is only one species - kuhlii. Most literature doesn't mention Malaysia as a location but I have seen 2 within 3 weeks. I am told that it is very rare here and only a few are seen each year. That makes getting ootheca all the more important!

 

[lancaster1313]

It reminds me of a dead leaf that got draped over a branch and rained on.

 

[Domanating]

Holy mother of Jesus! Those fore legs seem so thick and massive they can crack concrete!

 

[ScienceGirl]

Very interesting!!!

 

[brancsikia339]

WOAH! PARABLEPHARIS KUHLII! This one is subspecies Parablepharis kuhlii kuhlii

 

[Chiniensis]

Thanks, Brancsikia339. I was unsure what subspecies. Do you know what the difference is between kuhlii and asiatica? I can't find any information on it.

 

[brancsikia339]

Thanks, Brancsikia339. I was unsure what subspecies. Do you know what the difference is between kuhlii and asiatica? I can't find any information on it.

Kuhlii asiatica has a wider protonum in both sexes. They also have a slightly lighter color. Kuhlii kuhlii is darker and has a thinner protonum

 

[happy1892]

Christion said that the P. kuhlii asiatica have wider pronotum than P. kuhlii kuhlii in both sexes. You can search topics about them here on the mantidforum search thing, on the top right corner on this website.

 

[Precarious]

Very cool!

 

[Rick]

Neat species.

 

[happy1892]

The pictures of Parablepharis on this website have a wide pronotum I think. But a dark color.

http://khaophrathaew.org/Biodiversity_Fauna_Oth5.html