About Orthodera ministralis Fabricius, 1775
This species, Orthodera ministralis, has a green body, with a thorax that is broader than both the head and abdomen. The inner surface of its front legs bears a blue to purple spot. Adult males have fully developed wings, while females only have wing buds that cover the abdomen. The body of this mantis can reach up to 4 centimeters in total length. Commonly known as the garden mantis, this species lives across the entire continent of Australia, and occurs particularly often in gardens. It can frequently be found hidden in leafy scrub, from ground level up to eye level. It feeds on small insects by ambushing them. It remains motionless for long periods of time to wait for prey to move close, before ambushing it. Females lay their eggs in a single mass contained within a sturdy, woody egg case.
