Grass Mantid

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A slender grass mantid (Orthodera sp., ~4cm long) conceals herself among the spear grasses, tucking in her bright orange and blue inner forearms until she perceives a threat. This genus is a remarkable grass mimic, having an elongate shield-like pronotum reminiscent of the hooded mantis Choeradodis in the New World. Being small-bodied both sexes of Orthodera are great fliers, spiraling off into the distance like a small moth. Without a doubt the cutest insect I have come across in the Top End.

Photographed in situ [1]

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