Bark Mantids

Description:

Medium-sized (body length 37 mm). Mottled grey-brown and flattened to closely resemble bark and lichens. Wings attractively reticulated, with dark blotches. Contains 9 similar-looking species.

Habitat:

Usually on tree trunks in the warmer parts of the region. Range extends to Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Notes:

Biology: Move about on trunks of trees in search of thorax and limbs that help them to blend into the surroundings. Several African species show material care, females guarding the egg case for up to 70 days until hatch