Paraoxypilus
Paraoxypilus is a genus of mantis, known as the boxer bark mantids. Some are native to Australia and Oceania.
| Paraoxypilus | |
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| Boxer bark mantis showing red warning colours | |
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| Genus: | Paraoxypilus Saussure, 1870 |
Description
This genus gets its name from the unusual way it acts like and resembles a boxer. Boxer bark mantids are black with hints of grey and white. They can mimic an ant due to its small size and its ant-like abdomen and small bumpy thorax. It does this to avoid predators and is excellent at camouflage.
The insects reach 2–3 cm (about 1") long as adults, while nymphs reach only 3 mm (about ⅛").
boxer bark mantis
Although some mantids are kept as pets, this genus of mantids is generally not, due to the difficulties presented by its small size.
See also
- List of Australian stick insects and mantids
- Mantodea of Oceania
References
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