But while sunlight and humidity can trigger a praying mantis to shift its color after a molt, this adaptation is likely a response to predation pressures. ... Climate, plant color and hungry predators are all factors interacting and resulting in a brown or a green mantis.

Is a brown praying mantis rare?

The brown praying mantis is the most common color after green. They belong to the genus Mantodea and are a close relative to both cockroaches and termites. As one might suspect, the brown mantis primarily lives in tree trunks and branches. Their color helps them to blend into their preferred environment.

Can a praying mantis turn from green to brown?

The praying mantis is one type that can change color from green to brown and vice versa. While in its nymph phase, the praying mantis can take on a brownish hue after molting. However, this change occurs gradually, over several days.