Time for another incredible case of insect camouflage from Manu Biological Station. This stunning creature is the aptly-named Dead Leaf Mantis.

Leaf mimicry is fairly common among Amazonian insects, but Dead Leaf Mantises have taken this tactic to a whole new level.

Not only have their abdomens evolved to resemble dried, curled-up leaves, these mantises have even adapted their behaviour to improve their leaf-mimicry. When perched, the Dead Leaf Mantis wraps its forelegs tightly around its head in order to appear more like the shrivelled stem of a dried leaf.

Their spectacular camouflage allows them to go unnoticed by potential predators, while also remaining invisible to unsuspecting victims – until it’s too late.

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Dead Leaf Mantis (Acanthops erosula), Manu Biological Station, Peru