Iris Oratoria - Appearance

Appearance

I. oratoria is very pale when young but matures to grass green, and grows to about 6.5 cm long. The species may be distinguished from Mantis religiosa and other mantids with which it shares a range and general size and shape by the red-orange spot on the ventral side on the fourth (second to last) abdominal segment; also, its cerci are shorter than those of M. religiosa. The species is distinctive in having two large startling violet-brown eyespots on its hind wings which are revealed when its wings are unfolded. The adult is slenderer than Tenodera aridifolia sinensis, more like Mantis religiosa in shape. Females have wings shorter than the abdomen.

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