Most species in Acanthops are colloquially referred to as the
dead leaf mantis, a common name also used for species in several other mantid genera. The genus name translates from the Greek nouns ἄκανθα and ὅψ as "thorn eye", referring to the presence in all Acanthops species of a shorter or longer conical
tubercle on top of each eye. Note that such ocular tubercles also occur in various other mantid genera.
Acanthops species have an unusual degree of
sexual dimorphism compared to other mantids. The flightless female resembles a curled dead leaf folded back on itself, and weighs twice as much as the males do. It has reduced wings that can be raised to reveal bright
warning colors on the abdomen. The male has long functional wings that resemble a flat or rolled-up dead leaf at rest. When perched, males often assume a posture where the head, grasping legs and
prothorax add to the
camouflage effect by recreating the appearance of a dead leaf's shriveled
petiole and
stipules.
Taxonomy
The following species are currently considered valid:[1][2][3][4]
closeup of male Acanthops, possibly A. fuscifolia, showing the thorn-like tubercle on each eyeMale Acanthops, possibly A. fuscifolia, with grasping arms cupped in a more stipule-like camouflage postureMale Acanthops sp. with grasping arms partly extended in a more petiole-like camouflage posture