🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

The dragon mantis (Stenophylla lobivertex) is a rare, leaf-mimicking insect found in the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru that measures about 1.6 inches long. This species’ name comes from its flattened body that looks like a dragon.

Its wings, unlike other mantids, are transparent enough to let sun rays pass through. They are mostly gray-green in color, with distinctive bright yellow markings and a mottled body that changes from pale green to light brown.

Despite their small size, Stenophylla lobivertex are quite active creatures and are characterized by their fast movements. They have short legs that squeeze together at different angles and a long, curved abdomen. They also have powerful forelegs that are serrated and end in a pincer-like shape, which they use to grab and hold onto prey.

Dragon Mantises have large compound eyes that are surrounded by a fringe of small spines.They also have three simple eyes, two located above their compound eyes and one on the top of their head.When disturbed, the Dragon Mantis spreads its wings wide and turns bright shades of yellow and green.It can also extend its rear legs to make itself look larger, as a defense mechanism against predators.