Uploaded July 2013 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
Male about to molt to subadult. Note the stance; legs broadly planted, arms in front of face. Also apparent is the swelling of the wing buds and, in many but not this species so much, the abdomen takes on a barrel-like shape. Ideally a mantis will find a perch just like this - facing the incline of a branch. This allows for them to easily climb from the shed skin onto the more stable branch to avoid risking a potentially fatal fall.
Soundtrack by Precarious
Male about to molt to subadult. Note the stance; legs broadly planted, arms in front of face. Also apparent is the swelling of the wing buds and, in many but not this species so much, the abdomen takes on a barrel-like shape. Ideally a mantis will find a perch just like this - facing the incline of a branch. This allows for them to easily climb from the shed skin onto the more stable branch to avoid risking a potentially fatal fall.
Soundtrack by Precarious
