Nick Volpe
Giant Monsoon Mantis (Hierodula werneri)
Looking into the face of the incredible Giant Monsoon Mantis (Hierodula werneri). Did you know that mantids actually have 5 eyes? The two large eyes here are the compound eyes and are for efficiently watching movement, whilst they have three much smaller simple eyes on top of their head (out of frame) which they use to detect light!
This large mantis resides in the greenery of the monsoonal forests of the Northern Territory, predating on anything smaller than itself including frogs and geckos
Giant Monsoon Mantis (Hierodula werneri)
Looking into the face of the incredible Giant Monsoon Mantis (Hierodula werneri). Did you know that mantids actually have 5 eyes? The two large eyes here are the compound eyes and are for efficiently watching movement, whilst they have three much smaller simple eyes on top of their head (out of frame) which they use to detect light!
This large mantis resides in the greenery of the monsoonal forests of the Northern Territory, predating on anything smaller than itself including frogs and geckos