Lichen Mantid

I had been at the Explorer's Inn, Tambopata National Reserve for 10 days and was desperate to find a Mantid. I had now walked most of the trails, turned over most leafs and scoured the barks of trees...still no luck!

Then one hot humid morning I decided to walk "Le Torre" trail which was supposedly the best one for bugs and insects and beautiful humming birds. That's when I found my Lichen Mantid. I was so excited! He was only 3cm long, very camouflaged and to me very cute.

I observed him (or her?) and he watched me and I watched him! Thirty minutes and 80 shots later and Lichen probably feeling a little bothered, a mate joined him (or her!).