I have seen praying mantis in Europe on many occasions and they are significantly different in shape to this beautiful, extraordinary being that is the Leaf Mimicking Praying Mantis.
I found this particular one in my bedroom last night. Just after turning the light off to go to sleep I started hearing something akin to a rolled up ball of paper being kicked against the wall.

On investigation I found this amazing creature, hunting other smaller insects that had collected earlier in the light of my bedside lamp. When it flew against the wall its body sounded like it was made of big dry leaves.

The big front legs have sharp teeth with which he impales his victims. I knew I was not going to be able to sleep through his antics so I carefully picked him up in a fine cloth and put him outside.

These were taken using my Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

Namaste

Do not seek love. Be Love.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev