Gongylus are strange-looking mantids imitating leaves and branches. They are food-specialized for flying insects.

Gongylus belongs also to the Empusidae, so they are not able to climb glass.

Gongylus is living in bushes which are situated in dry and hot habitats.

Mantids from this genus are not very aggressive, so they could be kept together, also when they are adult. However, it is always better to seperate the femal at least.

You can sex them by counting the abdomial appendages (L4 and up). Females have 5 appendages and males have 6 appendages (shown at the pictures below).

Male

Female

At present, at least 2 species are described: Gongylus gongylodes (LINNÉ, 1758) and G. trachelophyllus (BURMEISTER, 1838).

Typical look of the nymphs:

• L2: white/grey, no mimikry, like older nymphs
• L3: brown, like older nymphs

Gongylus are very interesting mantids, which needs high temperatures.