Tree Mantid

Although the picture itself is not as appealing, this is another good example of insect camouflage--in this case for the purpose of stalking prey. Mantids (Order Mantodea) are wonderful predators. All memebers of the species are entomophagous (eat insects- in entomology, this term is used, though its analogue in other disciplines is 'insectivorous'), and find their prey by stalking or ambushing. This specimen is quite small (less than 2 cm long) and was found living on the bark of a tree for which it is clearly well-adapted.