| Choeradodis stalii | |
|---|---|
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| Choeradodis stalii - MHNT | |
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| Choeradodis stalii △ - MHNT | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Mantodea |
| Family: | Mantidae |
| Genus: | Choeradodis |
| Species: | C. stalii |
| Binomial name | |
| Choeradodis stalii Wood-Mason, 1880 | |
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]
