Tamolanica leopoldi, commonly known as the King Leopold Shield Mantis, is a large species of praying mantis endemic to the Aru Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is named in honor of King Leopold III of Belgium, who collected the first known specimens during a nature exploration in 1929. 
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: This is a robust mantis species known for the characteristic "shield" or "hood" on its thorax, which aids in camouflage (often dead leaf mimicry). They generally have a brown coloration.
Size: Females can reach up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) in length, while males are typically slightly smaller and thinner.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are fully flight-capable, with wings extending past the tip of the abdomen. In contrast, females have reduced wings.
Habitat: In their native environment, they are found in the low-lying forests of the Aru Islands. In captivity, they thrive in a tall enclosure with plenty of branches and leaves to mimic their natural habitat, encouraging natural climbing and hiding behavior.