Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula grandis)

At the lower reaches of Nam Nao NP, Petchabun, I was searching for dragonflies along a very quiet stream when I saw a very large praying mantis floating in the stream. I thought it was dead. I picked it out and it was very much alive. I placed it back in the tree and went to take some photos, when it jumped in again. It did this 3-4 times until eventually it seemed to settle. No idea why. Anyway, I sent photos to Pisuth Ek-Amnuay and he IDd it as the Giant Asian Mantis or Hierodula grandis. I hope to see this species again, though not one that likes swimming! Many thanks to Pisuth for the ID.

 

Constantly cleaning after swimming!

 

 

It happily sat on my hand for long periods.

Here it was going for a mid-afternoon dip in the stream (again and again).

 

Indian Flower Mantis (Creobroter gemmatus)

Whilst waist-deep in a small farmer's pond in Khon Kaen, I noticed a very different-looking mantis. I managed to get a few shots, though it was tiny, deep in the reeds and was fairly fast-moving. It turns out to be a nymph of the Indian Flower Mantis or Creobroter gemmatus. Strange, as I have never seen a mature one ... I will find one, one day.

 

Many thanks to Pisuth Ek-Amnuay for the ID.

 

 

Karawak Stick Insect (Asceles artabotrys) ???

This stick insect I have only spotted on one occasion in Khon Kaen and it didn't hang around long. Yes, some sticks can fly (as I found out). A quick photo and it was off ... I think this is a female. Anyway, searching the Internet I saw a very similar-looking specimen on www.malaeng.com. It could be that species (or at least a very similar-looking one). I will leave it as this for now, until someone far more knowledgeable on the subject steps in. I hope to see it again one day ... and maybe it won't fly away so easily.

 

Siam Giant Stick Insect (Tirachoidea siamensis)

Though not commonly seen, when you do see one you often lose it again ... and it happens to be one of the longest insects in Thailand. The Siam Giant Stick Insect or Tirachoidea siamensis* is a wonderful creature and easily the longest bug I have seen! The male is much shorter than the female (see copula). I hope to see this species again to get much better photos.

 

Here is the enormous female ... I wonder why they are called stick insects? ;)

 

 

Go on, lad, give her some stick ... quite literally. This photos shows you just how small the male is compared to his 'other half'.

 

 

*Source for ID: www.malaeng.com, with thanks.