About Blepharopsis mendica (Fabricius, 1775)
Blepharopsis mendica is a species of praying mantis, and it is the only member of the genus Blepharopsis. Its common names include Egyptian flower mantis, thistle mantis, and Arab mantis. This species is found in North Africa, parts of the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, southern Asia, and the Canary Islands. Specific countries and territories within its range are Afghanistan, Egypt, Algeria, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, the Canary Islands, Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Tunisia, Turkey, and Cyprus. This mantis lives in terrestrial habitats, specifically in areas with herbaceous vegetation and spiny bushes. Its coloration is well suited for mimicry of leaves, spiny or dry bushes, and desert vegetation. When performing a deimatic display, an adult Blepharopsis mendica rotates its head and thorax to one side. It displays the bright colours on the insides of its forelegs and the undersides of its hindwings, and holds its wings slightly spread behind its body. This display makes the mantis appear larger and threatening to potential threats.
