The
cryptic mantis (
Sibylla pretiosa) is a
mantid native to southern
Africa. Its
common name comes from its ability to grow asymmetrically to
match the vegetation of its environment. They have unusual leaf-like projections on the joint of their four walking legs and leaf-like wings, generally the only green portion of the insect's otherwise brown and mottled
exoskeleton. Adult females grow to 5โ6 cm (2.0โ2.4 in) in length while the males are generally about
1 cm smaller.
Photo: Luc Viatour