Leaf-like mantis (Deroplatys desiccata)- one of the the most unique representatives of the praying mantis family (Mantidae), known for his amazing ability imitate dried leaves. Thanks to its flat body with uneven edges and brown color, this insect becomes almost invisible among fallen leaves, which helps it as to hide from predators, and so on to hunt prey.
In this article, we will take a closer look at appearance, behavior, habitat, feeding habits, reproduction and interesting features of the leaf-shaped praying mantis.
Scientific classification
🔬 Classification of the leaf-shaped praying mantis:
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Arthropods (Arthropoda)
✔ Class: Insects (Insecta)
✔ Row: Praying Mantises (Mantodea)
✔ Family: Praying Mantis (Mantidae)
✔ Gender: Deroplatys
✔ View: Leaf-like mantis (Deroplatys desiccata)
📌 Interesting!
Title Deroplatys it comes from the Greek words “I will” (skin, coating) and “platys” (flat), which perfectly describes the shape of his body.
Appearance and unique features
💠 What does a leaf-shaped praying mantis look like?
• Size:
✅ Females – 75–90 mm
✅ Males – 65–75 mm
• Body shape:
✅ Wide, flat body, resembling dried leaves
✅ The edges of the pronotum are expanded, resembling the rolled edges of a leaf
• Color scheme:
✅ From light brown to dark brown with patterns that mimic leaf veins
✅ Some individuals have dark spots, which enhance the masking effect
• Oko:
✅ Large, dome-shaped, provide a wide view
• Front legs:
✅ Long, with sharp spines – used to capture prey
📌 Interesting!
Unlike most praying mantises, Deroplatys desiccata maybe slightly bend the body, imitating the movement of leaves swaying in the wind.
Habitat and distribution
🌍 Where does the leaf-shaped praying mantis live?
This type of praying mantis is found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
✅ Countries of residence:
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Singapore
• Philippines
🔹 What places of residence does he choose?
✅ Tropical rainforests
✅ Deciduous forests with dense undergrowth
✅ Bushes and tree branches at a level of 1–2 meters
📌 Interesting!
Leaf-like mantises mostly stay in places with a lot of dry leaves, which enhances their mimicry.
Lifestyle and behavior
🏠 Camouflage and protection from predators
The leaf-shaped praying mantis uses passive protection in the form of mimicry.
❌ How it avoids predators:
✅ Completely blends in with fallen leaves
✅ Moves slowly, simulating wind
✅ When threatened, it freezes, pressing its front paws to its body
❌ If the predator could not be fooled:
✅ Spreads its wings, demonstrating dark or red spots
✅ Gives out rustling sound
✅ Accepts protective stand, raising the front legs
📌 Interesting!
Some individuals may pretend dead leaves, even when they are touched.
🍽 Food and hunting
🔹 What do leaf-shaped praying mantises eat?
✅ Small insects – flies, butterflies, cockroaches
✅ Spiders and other arthropods
✅ Small frogs and lizards (in large females)
🔹 How do they hunt?
✅ They sit motionless for hours, waiting for prey
✅ They attack quickly with their front paws
✅ Hold the victim firmly until they stop moving
📌 Interesting!
Leaf-like mantises can recognize movements at a long distance, using its huge compound eyes.
Reproduction and life cycle
🔹 Mating season
✅ Males find females by the smell of pheromones
✅ After mating, the female lays eggs 200-300 eggs
🔹 Ootheca - egg capsule
✅ Laid on branches or under leaves
✅ Winter-hardy, protects larvae from predators
🔹 Stages of development:
✅ Egg (2–3 weeks)
✅ Larva (nymph) – passes 6–7 lines
✅ Imago (adult praying mantis)
📌 Interesting!
Nymphs look almost the same as adults, but are smaller.
Threats and species status
⚠ What threatens the leaf-shaped praying mantis?
• Deforestation of tropical forests 🌳
• Use of pesticides 🧪
• Hunting and illegal sale 🛒
🛡 Security status:
✅ Rare in nature, but not endangered
✅ Popular among exotic insect lovers
📌 Interesting!
The leaf-shaped praying mantis is one of the most favorite species for keeping in terrariums thanks to its spectacular appearance.
Conclusion
Leaf-like mantis (Deroplatys desiccata) – one of the most impressive insects, capable of fully imitate dried leaves.
💡 Basic facts:
✔ Master of Disguisehiding among the fallen leaves
✔ Silent Hunter, who patiently waits for prey
✔ A rare and beautiful species, which is of interest to researchers and terrariumists
✔ Lives in tropical forests, where it plays an important ecological role
📢 The leaf-shaped praying mantis is a unique example of natural mimicry and an ideal predator in the insect world!
