Phyllocrania is a fascinating genus. It is a master of camouflage. With all its appendages, its colour and form, it looks like a old, withered leaf.
Phyllocrania inhabits bushes and shrubbes in open, dry areas.
The aggresseviness of this genus is very low. Because of this, they can be kept in community. But a enough big terrarium should be chosen, because they can be afflicted by stress. The sexes can easy be differenciated from L4/ L5. The females have a wide, and relative line crown, in contrary males have a longer, thin, curvinged crown. Also the appendages of the abdomen and the abdomen itselve are more wide and compact than the male`s.
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| sexing (head) |
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| sexing (abdomen) |
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At present, there is only Phyllocrania paradoxa (BURMEISTER, 1838) described. Typical look of the nymphs: - L2: black, ant- mimicry
- L3: like bigger nymphs
Phyllocrania is a beautifull, fascinating and bizzare mantid. Especially the males are afflicted by stress. Both sexes dump down, in case of danger, and remain in akinese. This mantids are recommended for beginners, because they are very easy to keep.
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