Ameles decolor (also known as the Mediterranean dwarf mantis or the dwarf mantis) is a species of small praying mantis native to the west Mediterranean and North Africa. A. decolor was first described by entomologist Domenico Cyrillo in 1787, and its current classification was established in 1976 by Karl Harz and Alfred Peter Kaltenbach. A. decolor presents as a small, light brown mantis with females tending to appear larger than their male counterparts. The mating patterns of A. decolor are considered some of the most complex amongst praying mantises, with males presenting two different styles of courtship. Their habitat favours shrublands, grasslands, and wooded areas.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Grey Mantis being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Ameles heldreichi
- Ameles paradecolor
- Litaneutria pacifica
- Litaneutria minor
- Bolivaria brachyptera
- Ameles picteti
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Mantodea
- Family
- Amelidae
- Genus
- Ameles
- Species
- Ameles decolor
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