image credit: Thor Hakonsen

image credit: Vishal Bhave
 
 image credit: thegardensofeden.or

It may have the looks of a classical instrument, but certainly not the demeanor of a proper socialite.  The Wandering Violin Mantis (Gongylus gongylodes) is identified by its extremely thin frame and long, slender appendages. I think it does have an air about it reminiscent of a “struggling artist“… maybe due to the fact that it looks like a malnourished violinist? 


more photos, info, and video after the jump!


 image credit: Thor Hakonsen
 image credit: Thor Hakonsen
 image credit: Thor Hakonsen

image credit giantrobot.com
Habitat: southern India and Sri LankaStatus
Status: Not listed

The only food these bizarre creatures fancy are flying insects, which they happily gobble up using their large jaws. Here, take a look for yourself:  

*sad violin plays*That was the end of old Mr. Fly…*fade out*