Wild Southeast Asia – A Hierodula patellifera, also known as the giant Asian mantis, was filmed eating a wasp and a bee simultaneously.

The mantis held both insects in its raptorial forelegs while feeding, showing its ability to handle multiple prey at once. Its elongated body and stick-like shape make it well-camouflaged in trees and grasslands at the edges of forests.

H. patellifera is found across Southeast Asia, as well as in Hawaii, India, Nepal, Italy, Indonesia, the Korean Peninsula, the Philippines, New Guinea, southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan. Males are about 5.2 cm long, females 6.1 cm, and they can appear green or brown.

The species is known for careful movements that allow it to blend into its surroundings and approach prey. The video highlights the mantis’ feeding behavior, capturing both insects in its grasp as it dines.

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