Hierodula majuscula - Giant Australian Rainforest mantis

Giant Rainforest H.Majuscula, praying mantis are one of Australia’s largest praying mantids, growing up to around 70mm 3" - 4" in body length. They are found in the northern tropical regions of Australia, and feed upon large butterflies, dragonflies and a host of other invertebrate species. Like other mantids this species lays its eggs encased within a foamy ootheca which sets hard soon after it is laid. The ootheca is usually attached to a branch or some other solid surface. The young hatch several months later, and begin feeding soon after emerging. They will tolerate each other for a short time, but once they disperse any chance meetings of the siblings will often result in one eating the other.These mantids grow by shedding their outer skeleton (exoskeleton). This process is called ecdysis or molting. To molt successfully they need to hang uninterrupted beneath a leaf or branch. This can take 30 mins to half several hours. Maturity has been reached once the mantids have developed w