A Galepsus sp. nymph hitching a ride on its mother. Not normal behaviour as far as I'm aware, most likely just a case of the nymph confusing the mother for a branch. Thankfully not a very aggressive species.

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A Cape Boxing mantis (Oxypilus capensis) male. His wings are absurdly large for his body size.

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Baby and Mother.

Unknown Miomantis species.

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Freshly hatched i1 nymph from one of my unknown Miomantis species. First time seeing what it looks like at this stage. The head pattern and colouring are noticeably different from other Miomantis species that I'm familiar with.

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This is what the average insect sees before meeting its end.

The species is Paramantis sacra, native to South Africa. An adult version of the last mantis I posted.

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A baby (i1) Praying Mantis.

This particular species is Paramantis sacra, found in South Africa in grassy regions. They are roughly 6-7cm as adults and look very similar to the European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)

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Portrait of an African False Flower mantis (Harpagomantis tricolor)

Found this little guy earlier in the year. I love the little speckles on the eyes, something I haven't seen on other mantises that I've photographed.

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A Galepsus sp. with her ootheca (egg case).

This species of mantis, along with others similar to it, are known to guard their eggs.

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A tiny Doublecone Grass mantis (Episcopomantis chalybea) nymph.

With their pointy heads and long slender bodies, they blend in perfectly in the grasslands where they live.

One of the few mantises I know of that prefer to walk backwards when disturbed.

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A different Miomantis species, similar to the previous one but with a few small differences. Most notable being the size. As adults they reach about 4cm.

This one is an adult female in her final form.

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A Miomantis nymph, one of many different species in South Africa. This specific one is currently unidentified. Grows up to around 3cm (adult), lives primarily in medium height grass.