Species · GBIF taxon 1406423
Ghost Mantis
Phyllocrania paradoxaAlso known as African Ghost Mantis
Ghost mantises are masters of mimicry, perfectly imitating shriveled, decaying leaves with their flattened, asymmetrical bodies and leaf-like projections on their limbs. Unlike many aggressive mantis species, they are relatively docile and often live in loose groups without cannibalizing one another if food is abundant. When threatened, they sway gently in the breeze to enhance their leaf illusion or drop to the forest floor to play dead.
CamouflagedPredatoryArboreal
- diet
- Carnivorous (flying insects, moths, flies)
- family
- Hymenopodidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction and pesticide use
- life Span
- 8 to 12 months
NE
Harmless to humans and safe to observe closely.
- Patience is Key: Look closely at dry twigs and leaf litter where they blend in perfectly.
- Gentle Handling: Let them climb onto your hand voluntarily rather than picking them up.
- Watch the Sway: Observe how they rock back and forth to mimic a leaf in the wind.