Sphodromantis sp. - macro pictures - what specie?

[ThorEH]

Heres one of my Hierodulas, not quite sure which species, but I reckon it's a grandis ? Anyone who might know ?

Hope you'll enjoy these as well

 

[Rick]

I am no expert on ID but it looks like a Sphodromantis.

 

[Asa]

I agree with Rick.

 

[Stefan]

Fantastic photographs! What camera do you use?

I'm sure I've read this before somewhere, but do mantids have 3 eyes in the top center part of their heads? If not, what are those structures on the head of that beautiful specimen?

 

[ThorEH]

Thanks Stefan

I use a Nikon D70, with a Sigma EX 105mm f/2.8 DG Macro lens

 

[Morpheus uk]

I'm sure I've read this before somewhere, but do mantids have 3 eyes in the top center part of their heads? If not, what are those structures on the head of that beautiful specimen?

Thier the 3 simple eyes, being simple because they can only tell from light and dark, i think they aid to flying aswell, oh yeah and thier called ocelli, though dont know if i spelt that right

 

[Stefan]

Thanks Thor and Morpheus 8)