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.

Do praying mantis turn brown?

Most mantis species are colored green or brown so they can blend in with leaves and foliage which enables them to patiently stalk insects like flies and grasshoppers. ... Striking twice as fast as a blink of an eye, praying mantises will slowly devour the unfortunate prey slowly with its ultra sharp mandibles.

What is the difference between brown and green praying mantis?

Green mantids hide in green foliage, waiting for prey to wander into range. Brown mantids do the same thing, only on brown foliage and stems. The camouflage not only protects mantids from predators, but allows them to remain almost invisible to their prey.