When not on the hunt, the giant #asian #mantis (#Hierodula sp.), snuggles close to plants it stalks, rendering itself almost invisible - safe from marauding predators looking for an alfresco snack.

Insects such as preying mantids offer invaluable (and free!) organic pest control services, improving the quality of life in our great cities.

📸 30 MAR 2023 (12:19 hrs.) at #mulund East, #mumbai, #india.

#insectsofmastodon #InsectsOfTheFediverse #mantis #naturalhistory #MumbaiUnseen

A Giant Asian Mantis (#Hierodula sp.) stalks a tropical milkweed bush, hoping to nab an alfresco meal (read: any bug it can murder), while keeping a wary eye on clueless bystanders oblivious to it's existence.

Preying mantids perform an invaluable job of free pest control, improving the quality of our lives in our great cities.

📸 30 MAR 2023 (12:19 hrs.) at #mulund East, #mumbai, #india.

#entomology #insects #insectsofmastodon #InsectsOfTheFediverse #mantis #naturalhistory #MumbaiUnseen