Rank Species | Order Mantis | |
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Similar Choeradodis, Mantis, Choeradodis rhombicollis, Oxyopsis, Choeradodis rhomboidea | ||
Choeradodis stalii shedding final
Choeradodis stalii is a species of praying mantis with common names that include tropical shield mantis, hooded mantis, and leaf mantis.
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It is found in Brazil, Ecuador, French Guyana, Panama, and Peru.
As described by one insect-breeding hobbyist, this species:
...is one of the most impressive of all mimic species. It takes the form of a leaf one step further than any other species, and has the largest hood of all leaf species. They take the form of a flat stance, and spend most of their time low-lying, to help blend in with their background. This mantis species is rare in captivity, and only experienced breeders will have these available/have reared them successfully in the past.
Nymphs of this species are born with a bright red color distinguishing it from other Choeradodis. Even at early instars, it displays somewhat of a hood. Each time the mantis moults, it grows more greenish and the hood grows larger until it reaches adulthood.