Gongylus gongylodes

Gongylus gongylodes
"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. This species are a communal species in that they live and breed in large groups without unnecessary cannibalism.

Gongylus gongylodes
Gongylus gongylodes

External links

http://www.keepinginsects.com/praying-mantis/species/wandering-violin-mantis/