This Rare, Miniature Mantis Looks Like a Ripped, Rotten Leaf

It might look like a dead leaf, but this tiny insect is very much alive. This video by @doctorbugz_official shows a mantis rarely seen outside Africa and Southern Europe. Even if you were lucky enough to find it in the wild, the ghost mantis lives up to its name. Hiding in plain sight is the name of this insect’s game, and that’s not the only trick it has up its small, praying sleeves.

The Ghost Mantis is a Miniature Species

The ghost mantis, also known as Phyllocrania paradoxa, is not a rare species, but it is considered a miniature mantis. When fully grown, they’re only about two inches long. It’s easy to mistake this mantis for a few dead leaves, and that appearance is intentional. This species grows decorative limbs that mimic dead foliage, effectively camouflaging with its surroundings. A crown that looks like one long, dead leaf sits on its head. No two mantises look alike, but they share similar body styles and colors.

According to Keeping Insects, ghost mantises are usually dark brown, the most common color. However, mantises also sport light or red-toned brown and green. Their environments dictate their color, and humidity affects their pigment. A ghost mantis may also look different depending on its gender. Males are smaller and thinner, while females are larger and have thicker limbs.

This Mantis is Equally Skilled in Hunting

Despite its dried-up appearance, the ghost mantis is just as voracious a hunter as others in its species. It’s an ambush hunter, which means the insect attacks its prey while going undetected. The mantis waits for prey to come close enough before reaching out with the spikes on its front legs. This mantis is an impressive specimen, able to capture large prey such as lizards. Its diet mainly consists of flies and gnats, with the occasional cricket or beetle.

When prey gets the jump on a ghost mantis, it hisses to intimidate its opponent. The mantis also makes itself appear bigger by spreading its leaf-like wings. Interestingly, this mantis is quite the escape artist. Whereas many mantis species cannot cling to smooth surfaces like glass, the ghost mantis does so quite easily. This opens up its escape routes, allowing it to cling more strongly to smooth surfaces than other insects.

It’s More Docile Than You Think

The ghost mantis is relatively docile when handled. This video shows the mantis casually crawling across its owner’s hand with no signs of distress. It’s not in a defensive position and seems to explore in a curious but cautious way. This non-aggressive insect is often kept as a pet with others of the same species. However, it requires very specific conditions to thrive when kept in captivity. High humidity and temperature emulate what this mantis is used to and must be recreated in a safe enclosure.