Parasphendale affinis / Bud Wing Mantis

Parasphendale affinis, commonly known as the Bud Wing Mantis, is a fascinating species of praying mantis native to Southeast Asia, recognizable by its distinctive wing-like extensions that resemble delicate, leaf-like structures, providing excellent camouflage among foliage. This mantis is popular among enthusiasts for its striking appearance and relatively manageable care requirements, thriving in warm, humid environments with plenty of vegetation for hunting and hiding. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during mating season, and are known for their impressive predatory skills, preying on various insects. Proper care involves maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels, providing a well-ventilated enclosure with live plants, and feeding them a diet of live insects such as crickets or flies.