Mantid Moth

Description:

This incredible little moth looks like a piece of twig or bark in coloration and kind of like a Mantid in position. It carries the first two pair of legs held against the body at rest, balancing on the remaining 4 legs. However, if it wishes it will balance with one of the front legs as well (Picture 4). Sometimes it stands completely upright and sometimes at a slight angle (Pictures 5 and 6). The abdomen has reverse coloration, with the top light-colored and the bottom dark-colored, so that when the abdomen is raised, it matches the rest of the body. The wings are brightly patterned. About 1.5 cm long.

Habitat:

Came to an ultraviolet light in the garden, San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters.