Astyliasula phyllopus, commonly known as the Boxer Mantis, is a species of praying mantis in the family Hymenopodidae. It is well known for its unique "boxing" behavior and leaf-like camouflage, making it a popular species among entomologists and hobbyists. 
 
Physical Characteristics
Boxing Forelegs: The species is named for its strongly dilated (enlarged) fore femora, which resemble boxing gloves.
Camouflage: It features leaf-like patterns and colours, typically ranging from light brown to yellow or green, allowing it to blend into forested environments.
Size: It is considered a medium-sized mantis. 
 
Behaviour and Habitat
Deimatic Display: When startled, it performs a "boxing" display by rotating its arms in arcs and exposing colourful patterns on the inner arms to intimidate predators.
Distribution: Native to the Indomalayan realm, it is primarily recorded in Southeast Asian regions such as Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra.
Environment: It inhabits humid, terrestrial forested areas. 
 
Taxonomy
First described in 1842 by Dutch zoologist Willem de Haan as Mantis phyllopus, it has undergone several reclassifications. 
Kingdom: Animalia
Order: Mantodea
Family: Hymenopodidae
Subfamily: Oxypilinae
Tribe: Hestiasulini
Synonyms: Hestiasula phyllopus, Paraoxypilus phyllopus, and Pachymantis phyllopus.