Texas Unicorn Mantis

Description:

Both adults and nymphs blend into vegetation remarkably well but in different ways. They both look exactly like the twigs or limbs of a small plant. The adult has wings that are a perfect representation of a green leaf, while the nymph curls its abdomen to mimic dead leaves (pic 3). I found several in this garden. Pic 2 shows an adult with prey (they prefer flying insects like butterflies and moths). Pic 3 shows a nymph that has no wings but has already developed its horn (projection between the eyes) which begins to develop in earlier instars. . They grow to around 60mm. Shades of brown or grey with adults having green wings.

Habitat:

Spotted in lower vegetation of the butterfly garden at Resaca De La Palma State Park near Brownsville, Texas.

Notes:

Range from central Texas to Central America.