The Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) is a small mantis species characterized by its leaf-like body. They are various shades of brown- from very dark brown to green-gray, and an individual’s colors can change between molts depending on light and humidity levels. The Ghost Mantis is camouflaged to appear as dead, dried-up leaf material. They have elongated heads, flattened, extended prothoraxes, and leaf-like protrusions from their limbs. When threatened, juveniles and adult females will play dead, and adult males will run or fly away. The species is distributed across the African continent, and they are found in dry areas, bushes, shrubs, and trees in the open.
The Ghost Mantis has an overall body length between 1.77”-2.36” (45-60 mm), body width of .26”-.39” (6.5-10 mm), and body height of .26”-.43” (6.5-11 mm). The typical lifespan of the Ghost Mantis is between 4-8 months.
The Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) is a small mantis species characterized by its leaf-like body. They are various shades of brown- from very dark brown to green-gray, and an individual’s colors can change between molts depending on light and humidity levels. The Ghost Mantis is camouflaged to appear as dead, dried-up leaf material. They have elongated heads, flattened, extended prothoraxes, and leaf-like protrusions from their limbs. When threatened, juveniles and adult females will play dead, and adult males will run or fly away. The species is distributed across the African continent, and they are found in dry areas, bushes, shrubs, and trees in the open.
The Ghost Mantis has an overall body length between 1.77”-2.36” (45-60 mm), body width of .26”-.39” (6.5-10 mm), and body height of .26”-.43” (6.5-11 mm). The typical lifespan of the Ghost Mantis is between 4-8 months.
