Idolomantis diabolica (4) Tropical Insect Praying Mantis Dyctioptera Mantodea

Idolomantis diabolica cm 9.5 Tropical Insect Praying Mantis Dyctioptera Mantodea, A1- quality (specimen has small defects or imperfections), only a piece, as in third photo.
Family: Empusidae (mantids, mantises).
Common name: Giant Devil's Flower Mantis.
Syn. Idolomantis diabolicum, Idolomantis diabroticum, Idolum diabroticum.

It is one of the largest species of praying mantises and is perhaps the largest that mimics flowers
Females grow to about 13cm in length and males to about 10cm. It is native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda. The warning display is beautifully colored, with red, white, blue, purple and black.
The basic anatomical structure is similar to most of the species of the order Mantodea, but the morphology of each species varies according to its natural habitat, and this species is slightly modified (eyes, antennae) to improve its floral mimicry. Equally specialized is its behavior, to scare or confuse predators.
In the presence of prey (flies, moths, butterflies and beetles) I. diabolica, impersonating a flower, remains motionless. The jaws are used to decapitate and devour the prey, once grabbed.
Before reproducing, females expose the showy upper abdomen, releasing pheromones to attract a mate. However, even in this species sexual cannibalism is prominent, especially in captivity
Due to its beauty and its spectacular displays, I. diabolica is considered a prestigious pet.