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''Phyllocrania paradoxa'', common name ghost mantis, is a small species of mantis from Africa remarkable for its leaf-like body. It is one of the three species in the genus ''Phyllocrania''.〔() pawsforthoughtpetcentres.co.uk〕〔() PhasmidsinCyberspace.com 2005〕〔() PrayingMantid.co.uk〕〔() 2006 Bugman Educational Entoprises〕 ==Description== Compared to many other praying mantises, the ghost mantis is a "miniature species"〔 growing to only about long.〔 It comes in various brownish shades from very dark brown (almost black) to greenish gray. An individual's colors change between molts and are also dependent on light and humidity levels.〔〔 ''Phyllocrania paradoxa'' is camouflaged so as to appear as dead, dried-up leaf material.〔() exotic-pets.co.uk〕 It has an elongated head, a flattened, extended prothorax (together referred to as its "elaborate headdress and shoulder shields" by one enthusiast),〔 and leaf-like protrusions from its limbs.〔 The mantis also has a forewing that looks like a desiccated leaf,〔 and the "creases" in the wings are actually shadings of pigment.〔 ''P. paradoxa'' oothecae can hatch out up to three dozen young.〔() USA Mantis〕 1st and 2nd instar nymphs of this species are dark colored and use ant mimicry as a defense.〔() Mantis Study Group Newsletter〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Phyllocrania paradoxa」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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