Dead Leaf Mantis
(Dead Leaf Mantis)
I have been keeping Deroplatys, or dead leaf mantids for years, and they are clearly one of the masters of disguise. They have camouflage down to a science. I love looking at the intricate leaf patterns on the adults wings. They mimic dead leaves perfectly, especially the females.
Breeding Dead Leaf Mantids is generally simple. I have had some casualties in the past, but I have come to learn that waiting 3 weeks instead of 2 before introducing the male and female greatly reduces the chance of cannibalism. All in all, I would recommend this species to anyone. They are just too cool to pass up. The pics below are of D. desiccata and D. lobata.