Chinese Mantis with butterfly prey

A Chinese mantis (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) with struggling Dark Blue Tiger butterfly (Tirumala septentrionis septentrionis). Chinese mantis eat mainly other insects, and can be cannibalistic. They have even been known to prey on small vertebrates such as reptiles and amphibians. They are extremely well camoflaged, blending perfectly with the leaves and branches of a bush or tree. The butterfly is still struggling, but the Mantis has already bitten off the head and there is no hope.

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