A team led by researcher Matthew Connors has uncovered three new species of snake mantises, also known as planking praying mantises, expanding knowledge of these elusive insects in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
- Three new snake mantis species discovered and named
- Citizen science aids in mapping distribution and behavior
- One species thrives in suburban Australian gardens
What happened
Researchers led by Matthew Connors at James Cook University have identified three new species of snake mantises, known scientifically as Kongobatha, from Australia and Papua New Guinea. These mantises are notable for their snake-like wing patterns and their ability to press their bodies flat against leaves, camouflaging effectively. The team studied specimens collected both in the wild and from museums, focusing on unique anatomical features like the male styli to distinguish the new species.
Previously, only two species of Kongobatha were known, but the new research added K. serpens, K. spinosistyla, and K. rufilinea to the list. Notably, the study also extended the known range of K. papua into Australia. The researchers used photographs and observations contributed by citizen scientists to better understand the insects' geographic spread and habits.
Why it feels good
Discovering new species is always a positive step toward biodiversity understanding and conservation. These mantises, with their fascinating camouflage and complex physical features like the densely spined styli in K. spinosistyla, showcase the wonders of evolutionary adaptation. The use of citizen scientists in this research highlights the power of public involvement in scientific discovery and environmental stewardship.
The fact that some of these mantises have adapted well to suburban areas, living alongside humans without harm, points to a hopeful example of coexistence between wildlife and urban environments. It also enhances appreciation for the small, incredible creatures that share our local green spaces.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye out for snake mantises in gardens or natural areas, especially around Brisbane and Sydney where K. serpens has become a common resident attracted to lights at night. Observing their leaf-planking camouflage can be a delightful reminder of nature's creativity right outside your window.
The conservation status of species like K. rufilinea remains uncertain since it is known from a single specimen collected over 50 years ago. Continued research and citizen science contributions will be crucial to ensuring these remarkable insects are protected and better understood in the future.