Most species in
Acanthops are colloquially referred to as the
dead leaf mantis, a common name also used for species in several other mantid genera.
Acanthops species have an unusual degree of
sexual dimorphism compared to other mantids. The flightless female resembles a curled dead leaf folded back on itself, and weighs twice as much as the males do. It has reduced wings that can be raised to reveal bright
warning colors on the abdomen. The male has long functional wings that resemble a flat or rolled-up dead leaf at rest. When perched, males often assume a posture where the head, grasping legs and
prothorax add to the
camouflage effect by recreating the appearance of a dead leaf's shriveled
petiole and
stipules. == Etymology ==