Cone Head Mantis (2)
A cone-head mantis (Empusa pennata) perched on a child's fingers. The French call this creature le diablo. It is found all over Southern Europe.
This particular specimen is a nymph. It has spent the winter skulking about in the dry brown bushes. In the summer it will shed its skin and emerge as a long, slim creature with wings. But it will keep its pointed hat, its wicked front legs, and the devilish expression in its eyes.