Dead-leaf mantid

Deroplatys lobata

FAMILY

Mantidae

TAXONOMY

Deroplatys lobata Guérin-Méneville, 1838, type locality not known.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

None known.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

These mantids are extraordinary mimics of dry, dead leaves. Their coloration is mottled light gray to dark brown. The leaflike pronotum is expanded laterally. Middle and hind legs have leaflike expansions, further adding to their camouflage. Adult males, at 2.5 in (6 cm) are approximately two-thirds the length of adult females, at 2.8 (7 cm).

DISTRIBUTION

Southeast Asia.

HABITAT

Primary and secondary rainforests.

BEHAVIOR

Dwells in leaf litter and shrubs. When threatened, these insects assume a startle posture by exposing their brightly colored forelegs as well as eyespots on the ventral sides of their forewings.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Carnivores of small arthropods.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Females lay oothecae on twigs. Hatchling mantids (50–100) emerge 30–50 days later.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Widespread, but habitat destruction threatens them. Not listed by the IUCN.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

None known.