Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula sp.)

Hierodula sp. is a genus of large praying mantises in the family Mantidae, widely distributed across Asia and Oceania. Species in this group are often robust and bright green, though some may be brown, providing excellent camouflage among leaves and branches. Like other mantises, they are ambush predators, using their raptorial forelegs to capture insects and occasionally even small vertebrates. They play a vital role in controlling pest populations in gardens and forests. Despite their fearsome hunting style, they are harmless to humans and are sometimes kept as exotic pets due to their impressive size and behavior.