What Big Eyes You Have

An encounter with a grumpy mantis

Close up of Giant Rainforest Mantis showing raptorial front legs and surprisingly winsome expression. © Bronwen Scott.

This leaf-green lovely is a Giant Rainforest Mantis (Hierodula majuscula). Just a young ‘un — a nymph* — only 75 mm (3 in) long. When fully grown, this species is up to 110 mm (4.3 in). It is the largest mantis in Australia and one of the largest in the world.