Choeradodis stalii explained

Choeradodis stalii is a species of praying mantis with common names that include tropical shield mantis, hooded mantis, and leaf mantis.^{[1] [2]} It is found in Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Peru.^[3]

As described by one insect-breeding hobbyist, this species:

...is one of the most impressive of all mimic species. It takes the form of a leaf one step further than any other species, and has the largest hood of all leaf species. They take the form of a flat stance, and spend most of their time low-lying, to help blend in with their background. This mantis species is rare in captivity, and only experienced breeders will have these available/have reared them successfully in the past.^[4]

Nymphs of this species are born with a bright red color distinguishing them from other Choeradodis spp. Even at early instars, they display somewhat of a hood. Each time the larvae moult, they grow more greenish and their hood grows larger, until they reach adulthood.^[5]

See also

• List of mantis genera and species

Notes and References

1. Web site: Archived copy . 2010-06-09 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081102063107/http://insects.tamu.edu/research/collection/hallan/Arthropoda/Insects/Mantodea/Family/Mantidae.txt . 2008-11-02 . Texas A&M University
2. Web site: God of Insects - Museum: Choeradodis stalii . 2008-07-26 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101123053123/http://godofinsects.com/museum/display.php?sid=1639 . 2010-11-23 . God of Insects
3. Web site: TerraTypica: Choeradodis stalii . 2008-07-27 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080607191421/http://ttwebbase.dyndns.org/mantid/view/20.html . 2008-06-07 . WOOD-MASON, J. (1880): 7.-Synopsis of the species of Choeradodis, a remarkable genus of Mantodea common to India and Tropical America.-Journ.Asiat.Soc.Bengal,49(1):82-84, Kalkutta.Reprint:Ann.Mag.Nat.Hist.,6(5):160-162,1880;London/Great Britain [84-84, Reprint 160-162]
4. http://www.insectstore.com/choeradodis_stallii_tropical_shield_mantis.php
5. http://www.insectstore.com/choeradodis_stallii_tropical_shield_mantis.php