''Chloroharpax'' is a genus of praying mantis in the family

Hymenopodidae Hymenopodidae is a family of the order Mantodea (mantises), which contains six subfamilies. Some of the species in this family mimic flowers and are found camouflaged among them; these are called flower mantises. Their coloration is aggressive ...

. The genus is monotypic, being represented by a single species, ''Chloroharpax modesta'', commonly called the Nigerian flower mantis, and is found across West Africa.

Description

Both males and females are about 3-4 centimeters in length when adult while 1st instar nymphs are about 4-5 millimeters in length. The adults are bright green with rounded blue eyes; adult females have a pair yellow ocellated eyespots on their wings. The species is able to hunt prey larger than itself, attacking and chasing its prey.

Range

Ivory Coast, Guinea, Ghana, Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Cameroon.

Captivity

''Chloroharpax modesta'' are kept in captivity. This species of mantis are cannibalistic.

References

{{Taxonbar, from1=Q5103082, from2=Q5103085 Hymenopodidae Mantodea genera Mantodea of Africa Insects described in 1883 Monotypic insect genera

Description

Range

Captivity

See also

References