Insect
Bird Poop Mantis
Ceratomantis saussuriiAlso known as Saussure's Ceratomantis, Asian Bird Dropping Mantis
Ceratomantis saussurii relies on extraordinary mimesis, sporting a mottled white, dark brown, and black body that convincingly imitates bird droppings on tropical foliage. Nymphs and adults perch motionless on leaves in Southeast Asian rainforest understories, using a distinctive horn-like projection between their eyes to break up their body outline. When small flying insects venture within striking range, raptorial forelegs snap shut with blinding speed.
CamouflagedAmbush PredatorArboreal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFruit flies, Moths, Gnats
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Tree lizards
- Arboreal spiders
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion
HabitatsTropical rainforests and humid lowland shrubs
Life span8–12 months
Classification
- FamilyHymenopodidae
- SpeciesCeratomantis saussurii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan the upper surfaces of broad, sunlit leaves where bird droppings would naturally land.
- Macro Photography: Approach slowly with a flash diffuser, as sudden movements cause the mantis to drop or run.
Ecosystem Neighbor Jpogi / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Same Family Luc Viatour / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableSame Family
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