Mantises

Mantises are specialized, predatory insects (order Mantodea) with over 2,400 species found worldwide, predominantly in tropical regions. Renowned for their raptorial, "praying" front legs used to catch prey, they are masters of camouflage, featuring triangular heads with 180-degree vision and 5 eyes. Most are carnivores that ambush insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Violin mantis

Unlike most mantises, they are communal (rarely eating each other) and possess a specialized thoracic organ to hear predators.

Eastern Africa, mainly Kenya, Tanzania, and neighbouring regions.

Peacock Mantis

The raised head crest and leg lobes give this mantis a “peacock-like” silhouette, helping it break up its outline and confuse predators rather than hiding like a leaf or stick.

Indian Flower Mantis

When threatened, it flashes its wings to reveal bold eye-spot patterns, startling predators — a classic “look bigger” defence.

Papua Blue Mantis

The blue tones are most vivid in juveniles and freshly molted adults, fading slightly as the mantis matures — making each stage look a little different.

Stick Mantis

Its body shape is so stick-like that even experienced keepers can “lose” it in its enclosure — it often looks exactly like a twig until it moves.

Orchid Mantis

A spectacular mantis that mimics orchid flowers to ambush pollinating insects.

Dead Leaf Mantis

Perfectly mimics dead leaves, including veins and curled edges, for camouflage.

Asian Giant Mantis

A large, adaptable mantis often found near human habitats.

Cat‑Eye Mantis

A tall, stick‑like mantis with large eye spots used for threat displays.