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Texas Unicorn Mantis
Phyllovates chlorophaea |
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| The Texas Unicorn Mantis (Phyllovates chlorophaea) is a large mantid of Texas and several other southern states. This species has gray-brown legs, neck, and head with green, very leaf-like wings, making it very hard to detect among vegetation. It is this mimicry which allows this species to hunt its insect prey so effectively. The first 14 images shown here show a sequence when I observed one of these mantids catch a male Thornbush Dasher (Micrathyria hagenii) and consume it, wings and all! This series of images was taken at Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, Hidalgo Co., Texas, in October, 2009. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash. |  |
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| Texas Unicorn Mantis AKA Mexican Unicorn Mantis Phyllovates chlorophaea Old Pumphouse Park, Hidalgo, Hidalgo Co., Texas 8 November 2014 |
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| Texas Unicorn Mantis AKA Mexican Unicorn Mantis Phyllovates chlorophaea Old Pumphouse Park, Hidalgo, Hidalgo Co., Texas 8 November 2014 |
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| Texas Unicorn Mantis AKA Mexican Unicorn Mantis Phyllovates chlorophaea Old Pumphouse Park, Hidalgo, Hidalgo Co., Texas 8 November 2014 |
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| Texas Unicorn Mantis AKA Mexican Unicorn Mantis Phyllovates chlorophaea Old Pumphouse Park, Hidalgo, Hidalgo Co., Texas 8 November 2014 |
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| Texas Unicorn Mantis AKA Mexican Unicorn Mantis Phyllovates chlorophaea Old Pumphouse Park, Hidalgo, Hidalgo Co., Texas 8 November 2014 |
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