In Hainan's tropical rainforest, there lives a unique species of mantis – hidden in moss-covered parts of large trees, and often living in the shade – called the Haania vitalisi.

Haania vitalisi is a relatively rare species in the mantis. It is mostly scattered around mid-high latitude mountains, but because of its secretive movements, is rarely found.

Research about this species was first published by Tinkham in 1937. After the publication, there were no new additions to the Haania vitalisi for a long time. Now, with a better understanding of its habits, it has become clear that this small species can be found in Southeast Asia, especially the near-ground, mossy layers of tropical regions and rainforests. It also has a close relative in Vietnam.

Haania vitalisi is an ambush predator. It does not follow its prey to sneak up on it, but waits for it to approach. When an unsuspecting prey appears in the attack range, the well-camouflaged Haania vitalisi will quickly strike, subdue it and enjoy.

Scientists are also fascinated by the Haania vitalisi. Through the observation of its hunting process in high-definition video, they found that as an ambush predator, it has an amazing attack speed. It can complete an attack in a few tens of milliseconds, with 1,000 milliseconds being equivalent to one second.

About 'Fantastic Species in Hainan' series:

The annual Boao Forum for Asia will soon be held in Bo'ao, south China's Hainan Province. Among the topics discussed will be "green development," which cannot be achieved without ecological protection. Hainan has the best preserved and largest contiguous tropical rainforest in the country, home to numerous creatures unique to the province. This series dives into Hainan, leading the audience to learn more about how the amazing species thriving here under the great protection efforts form all walks of life.

For more:

Fantastic Species in Hainan: Technology helps unveil mysterious Hainan black-crested gibbon

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi)

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