Ever seen an Ant-Mantis?

**cannon_14595** · 7th May 2009, 18:56

Hi there...

Anyone here has ever had an encounter with a mantis? It should be a sure
yes... but what about a mantis that resembles an ant? Here's one tiny
ant-mimic mantis that I encountered at the Marsh Garden in West Coast
Park, Singapore.

Which photograph do you think is the best?
I think its the 1st.

**vinz** · 8th May 2009, 12:25

Cool. Mantes are my fave insects. Never knew there are Ant mantes.

**beetroot** · 8th May 2009, 12:43

cute! it's a baby, right? and when it grows up, it will turn green! (i think)

**ranmasatome** · 8th May 2009, 15:33

Its a juvenile. there are quite a few insects taht mimic ants at the juvenile stage. This one will turn green when it gets larger. Check out Odontomantis planiceps...although i cannot confirm it is this species specifically.

**trident** · 8th May 2009, 21:04

Shawn,
That's cool looking baby mantis

**cannon_14595** · 9th May 2009, 10:02

Thanks guys.

Yes, this is a baby, and will eventually grow up into an adult with wings. But I'm not
exactly sure if it will turn green.

Many insects, when young, also mimic the looks of ants, because by acting as ants,
they can avoid predators from attacking them since ants have a very nassty bite.

**ranmasatome** · 10th May 2009, 01:04

actually the nasty part is the sting.

**cannon_14595** · 10th May 2009, 12:38

Oh yeah it does have a sting.

I didn't notice it till now when you told me

**beetroot** · 11th May 2009, 00:20

hi, is this a similar mantis that's growing into an adult? some parts are green

!

just happened to spot it, thought it looks interesting, and took some pictures. but sorry for the blur pictures.

**benetay** · 11th May 2009, 01:46

Yes when they are adult they will turn green. I kept some before since they lay an egg case on the window. Firstly it' was brown, then it turn black then green!

Cheers!

**cannon_14595** · 11th May 2009, 09:07

Nice Juvenile Mantis beetroot!

Yep maybe it could be the same species, just that your is slightly older than mine.
Nice shots, not exactly blur. And most probably these mantises will turn full green
when adults, like benetray has said.