Wandering violin mantis

Gongylus gongylodes

''Gongylus gongylodes'', also known as the ''wandering violin mantis'', ''Ornate mantis'' or ''Indian rose mantis'', is an insect of the order Mantodea. This is one of the more bizarre looking mantises. Characterized by extremely slender limbs with large appendages. It is not a particularly aggressive species and often kept as a pet by hobbyists. It feeds primarily on flying insects. Its native range is in southern India and Sri Lanka. It can reach sizes of up to 11 cm. The males of the species are capable of flight. This species are a communal species in that they live and breed in large groups without unnecessary cannibalism.
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderMantodea
FamilyEmpusidae
GenusGongylus
SpeciesG. gongylodes
Photographed in
India