Dead Leaf Mantis

Also known as Giant Dead Leaf Mantis, Malayan Dead Leaf Mantis, Dead Leaf Praying Mantis

Giant dead leaf mantises exhibit some of the most sophisticated camouflage in the insect world, perfectly mimicking crumpled, decaying foliage with their flattened, leaf-like bodies and mottled brown coloration. When threatened, they perform a dramatic deimatic display, flaring their wings to reveal startling dark patterns and splaying their raptorial legs to deter predators. These patient ambush predators spend hours motionless in the forest understory, waiting for unsuspecting insects to wander within striking distance.