Page 47 - BBC Knowledge - October 2017 IN

ABOVE A hooded mantis is perfectly
camouflaged on a plant. This ambush
specialist will spend long periods
staying still as it waits patiently
for an insect to stray within reach
so it can grasp it with its front legs.
The extended thorax of the mantis
aids in leaf mimicry and makes it
inconspicuous to its own predators.

LEFT Exophthalmus parentheticus,
measuring 2.5cm in length, on
a forest flower. The striking angular
marks on the weevil are a clever
silhouette-breaking device, which
interrupts its outline, making it
more difficult to spot in the jungle.

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OCTOBER 2017