Boxer Bark Mantis

Description:

This is a female, around 18mm long and quite different from the winged males, which look more like a 'regular' praying mantis. The irregular shape brakes the outline and the cryptic colouration make it look as part of the vegetation, making it almost impossible to spot unless it moves. The females also give this genus its common name, as they can be seen foraging, while waving their first pair of legs in circular motions, like a boxer. By doing this, they also flash the bright orange patches on the inside of the raptorial front legs (pictures #5/6). Probably to scare off potential predators.

Habitat:

Found in undergrowth, grassy area among farmland and Marri and Jarrah wood.

Notes:

Here is a picture of a male (probably a different species): http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/140...