Dead Leaf Praying Mantis

Deroplatys desiccata, lobata and truncata

Dead Leaf Praying Mantids mimic decaying, crumpled leaves in Malaysia hence how they get their name.

This spinney looking fellow is camouflaged to mimic decaying, crumpled leaves. The colours range from a mottled brown, pale orangey brown through to an almost black. Size depends on species and sex, but range from 75 - 85mm in size. Females are substantially larger and heavier then males.

If you disturb them, they will gently rock as if they have been caught in the breeze. And if they feel threatened, they will throw them selves to the ground, lying motionless on the floor.

Malaysia. All of these species can be found here as well as Borneo, Indonesia and Sumatra. Being hot countries, you should keep the temperature at about 25 - 30C with a humidity in the region of 70 - 80%. This is slightly warmer and more humid than other species of Mantids are normally kept.