molting into L2 soon
Popa spurca, commonly known as the African twig mantis, is a master of camouflage that mimics the appearance of a dry twig to evade predators and ambush prey. Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, this species grows up to about 8 cm in females and 7 cm in males, with a slender, stick-like body that blends seamlessly into branches. Its coloration ranges from brown to tan, enhancing its disguise among woody plants. When threatened, Popa spurca often drops to the ground, hiding among fallen twigs to remain undetectedjaxmantis.wixsite.com. Despite its cryptic appearance, it is an efficient predator, feeding on flies, crickets, and other small insects. With lifespans of around 5–6 months for males and up to a year for females, these mantises are not only fascinating in the wild but also popular among insect enthusiasts for their unique appearance and relatively easy care in captivity
