Mantis Display
Another shot of the mantis threat display intended to cause fear and intimidation...
As well as the wings featured in the last image, notice here the forelegs displayed uprightly and widely apart. The false eyespots on its inner forearms are meant to look like large and scary eyes, adding to the intimidation factor. What AREN'T false are all the barbs and thorns on its forearms, adding both fear and the ability to keep prey in its grasp once its been captured.
Mantis Display
Another shot of the mantis threat display intended to cause fear and intimidation...
As well as the wings featured in the last image, notice here the forelegs displayed uprightly and widely apart. The false eyespots on its inner forearms are meant to look like large and scary eyes, adding to the intimidation factor. What AREN'T false are all the barbs and thorns on its forearms, adding both fear and the ability to keep prey in its grasp once its been captured.