Peruvian shield mantis

Description

Choeradodis rhombicollis, or Peruvian shield mantis, is a species of praying mantis native to North America, Central America, and South America. It is found in Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Surinam. The species can resemble both living and dead leaves. In either case, they choose a position beside a leaf that they resemble. To further enhance their camouflage, when disturbed, they can gently vibrate - mimicking the motion of the wind over a leaf. To catch prey, they use a "sit and wait" strategy, feeding on a large variety of arthropods. Larger individuals have been observed catching and consuming prey such as lizards and even hummingbirds.