This truly bizarre looking creature is commonly known as either the WANDERING VIOLIN or INDIAN ROSE MANTIS.  It originates in southern India and Sri Lanka and is one of the most unusual looking species of praying mantis in the world!  This one is not yet fully grown and could reach around 11cm in length. 

The strangest feature of its body has to be the exceptionally long, thin 'neck', or thorax as it is correctly named, which looks like it is far too thin and weak to support the rest of its body! 

Despite this feature, however, this is a very tough and strong mantis with powerful front legs as can be seen in this picture below!  They use the very sharp spines on these legs to catch their food, which consists mainly of flying insects, and once captured the legs close around them and all the spines prevent the insects from having any chance of escape!  This is one of my favourite species of insect in the world and it is fantastic to be keeping them and watching their interesting behaviours.