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Miomantis caffra Saussure
This is a female.. The south African Mantis are variable in colour, green to brown and are distinguished from the New Zealand Mantis which has a distinctive bright blue patch on front legs. Length about 30–40 mm. Egg case is fawn. When laid it is foamy like meringue, which then hardens.
Usually hides under leaves. They are predacious and catch insects
Originally from South Africa they have been in New Zealand since about 1978
Spotted on Sep 15, 2012
Submitted on Sep 15, 2012
3 Comments
Thanks Mike they are everywhere around our place but sadly replacing the natives which are getting less and less each year. Please feel free to post your wonderful photos to the Biodiverstity of North Island mission the more the better :)
I love these insects.
Awesome shot. It looks ready to strike.