Large Brown Mantid (Nymph)

Description:

Archimantis latistyla, commonly known as the "large brown mantid", but also "bunny mantis" and "Australian ghost hopper mantis", is a species of mantid that's native to Australia, and belongs to the family Mantidae. They can grow up to a length of 12cm. Very large spines on forelegs used to capture prey (and defensively). Visual predator, keen sight, will watch nearby moving objects, and stalks slowly until in range for a rapid strike using forelimbs. Fastidious in care of its sensory organs (very tip of forelimbs and antenna are constantly groomed). Females have short wings and do not fly, but males can fly. Known to attack larger animals such as birds, frogs, etc., and can be seen at night on the windows and porch, preying on the moths and any other insect it can catch. Has an incredible food range e.g. beetles, leafhoppers, caterpillars, flies, moths, mites, grasshoppers, aphids, crickets, and honeybees. Masses of information can be found on this link.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis

Habitat:

This specimen was found on Murraya paniculata, aka Orange Jessamine.

Notes:

The Praying Mantis is a member of the Mantidae family. I don't know for sure exactly what species this one is, but my research leads me to think this is a Large Brown Mantis (Archimantis latistyla). This specimen was approximately 6cm in length and wingless, or wings yet to develop. Other mantises much smaller in size were on bush as well, so I think this one is also a nymph and not yet fully developed, hence the absence of wings. Generally pale in colour, and a broad stripe down the back.