Which mantid in SE Asia is 5" long, green and has a pinkish abdomen?

[Cindy]

Well, I saw one with its legs up and I helped it turn over. Had wanted to capture it but the kids were freaking out that I wanted to put it in my empty cup which was originally filled with papaya milkshake. :lol:

It flew away soon after. We all enjoyed looking at it. I have been regretting for the entire week that I didn't take at least a couple of photos.

 

[Christian]

There are many Hierodula species reported from there, plus all the Rhombodera. Almost impossible to find out the concerned species from a photo (if available), even if it really should be a Hierodula.

 

[Cindy]

Thanks, Christian. From your suggestions, it seems that the mantid I saw is a male Hierodula.

It looks similar to this mantid.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/3186300...25834cf.jpg?v=0

 

[macro junkie]

 

[Cindy]

Hmm...the green is not like the male which is in your photo, macro junkie. The green is more of a lime green and there is this nice rainbow sheen either on the eyes or the wings. I was too mesmerised to remember...it was like sparkling! B)