Devil from the bush

[MacroLuv]

Not Nigella plant... but Mantis... monster.
The first and only time I saw this one. Even local inhabitants didn't recognize it.



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 18.06.2007 13:14:58
Shutter speed value 1/400 s
Aperture value f/6.3
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 18.06.2007 13:36:38
Shutter speed value 1/400 s
Aperture value f/6.3
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 18.06.2007 13:37:35
Shutter speed value 1/250 s
Aperture value f/6.3
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm

[Ken Ramos]

Indeed that is an evil looking thing, a bad omen maybe. However a very excellent set of images of a quite bizzare creature or mantis.

[beetleman]

looks like something out of those old Japanese monster movies. An excellent find Nikola. Maybe it is from the tropics and is on vacation to your beautiful Island. You have to look for more of these. How big was he?

[MacroLuv]

Thanks guys.
It is very well adapted into enviroment by colors. This mantis was flying when I saw it! If not, I think my chances would be minimal. At first I thought it was a butterfly.
size is about 12 cm.
Here you can see more pics of whole body and face close-up.

[MacroLuv]

I must correct myself, Doug.
Lenght is about up to 8 cm. (from ID sources)
Maybe I added some more lenght because of "giraffe" appearance and long extremities.