| Gongylus gongylodes | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Mantodea |
| Family: | Empusidae |
| Subfamily: | Empusinae |
| Genus: | Gongylus |
| Species: | G. gongylodes |
| Binomial name | |
| Gongylus gongylodes (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
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.