The Giant Rainforest Mantis is one of Australia's largest species - certainly the most robust. Adult females can reach 70mm in body length and are extremely powerful predators. In the wild they prey upon a wide variety of insects, and most likely small vertebrates such as geckos and frogs if the opportunity arises. As nymphs their colours are highly variable, ranging from red-brown through to bright green, but upon maturity they always adopt a rich leaf-green colouration.

Music and images by Alan Henderson

© Minibeast Wildlife 2008