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This is a species of praying mantis which is endemic to the Iberian peninsular. It was first noted by Fuente in 1894. There are few areas known where it now exists in Spain. It is rare and is catalogued on the red list of endangered species as vulnerable, receiving protected status.
This species may be brown, grey or green in colour. They can be distinguished from other mantids by the very angular eyes that taper to (upward and outwards facing) points. The nymphs hide low down in grasses and jump with agility, making them difficult to tell apart from small grasshoppers.
The areas where it is known to live are Pozuelo de Calatrava (Ciudad Real), Madrid, Cuenca, Extremadura, Jaén and Granada. They were also discovered in 2001 at Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz). It may well be that rather than being rare it is simply over looked as it has an uncanny ability to blend into the surroundings.
We first noted this species at a site to the western edge of the province of Malaga near to the border with Cadiz, an adult was seen in April 2007 and two nymphs photographed at the same location in he October with many egg cases discovered in the locality. Since learning to recognise their characteristics we have found this species in 12 locations around the Cadiz / Malaga border.
They appear to live in areas little disturbed by vehicles or people within open areas of grassland or areas of sparse scrub and grasses. The egg cases, oothecas, are fixed onto the under sides of rocks.
There are new studies taking place to establish the areas where these insects are living and breeding. Two people that are leading this research are Iñigo Sánchez of Zoobotanico in Jerez de la Frontera and Yeray Monasterio Leon from Jáen who works for Zerynthia Associacion which is a Spanish website involved in the protection of butterfly species and their habitat.
We have forwarded the information of locations, altitude, numbers seen, measurements, colouration, presence of oothecas etc to assist in the research.
Left Image: A nymph or young mantis. At each stage of growth they shed their skin (exoskeleton), until reaching adult size.
Right Image: A close up of an ootheca or egg case. This foam case created by the female can hold 30 to 40 eggs which will hatch at the same time.
Images taken in Malaga and Cadiz Provinces, Andalucia, Southern Spain.
 Green and brown Apteromantis aptera camouflaged and on the right showing size of 20mm
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