''Gyromantis kraussi'', the spiny bark mantis, is a member of the

mantis Mantises are an order (Mantodea) of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae ("mantids"). Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They ha ...

family. It is native to Australia. Its name is inspired by the spines on its head and abdomen. The insect is also popularly known as a "bark runner," in reference to its response when startled. Although many species of mantis are kept as pets, ''Gyromantis kraussi'' is less common due to its natural food sources, such as

stink bug Stink bug or stinkbug is a common name for several insects and may refer to: * Any of several bugs in the true bug (hemipteran) family Pentatomidae **''Halyomorpha halys The brown marmorated stink bug (''Halyomorpha halys'') is an insect in the ...

s, being difficult to provide.

References

Mantodea of Oceania Insects of Australia Endemic fauna of Australia Nanomantidae Insects described in 1872 {{mantodea-stub