Choeradodis rhomboidea

Description

Choeradodis rhomboidea, common names tropical shield mantis, hood mantis (or hooded mantis), and leaf mantis, is a species of praying mantis. A native of Central America, C. rhomboidea is a lowland species. Choeradodis is a genus of praying mantises with common names such as shield mantis, hood mantis (or hooded mantis), and leaf mantis (or leafy mantis) because of their extended, leaf-like thoraces. The distinguishing characteristic of Choreododis from which it takes its common names is a laterally expanded thorax. This adaptation for the purpose of camouflage, as well as a rounded wing case and a habit of staying relatively flattened, aid its leaf mimicry. Choeradodis is widely distributed. In the Americas, members of this genus are found in the Neotropical realm from South America to Mexico. In Asia, members of this genus dwell in the same climate zone of India.