Spore Mantis

Spore Mantis (MonsterVerse)

Spore Mantis (MonsterVerse)

The Spore Mantis (scientific classification: *Phasmid Sylas*) is a colossal herbivorous/detritivorous insect superspecies classified under Florafauna, dwelling among the damp rainforest undergrowth and fallen redwood timber of Skull Island in the MonsterVerse. Combining anatomical traits of a colossal stick insect and a prehistoric praying mantis, with a body length stretching up to 15 meters, the Spore Mantis possesses an extraordinary lignified exoskeleton that flawlessly mimics the decaying bark, moss cover, and fungal growths of a fallen log. Generally benign and docile, subsisting on rotting wood and detritus, the Spore Mantis is nonetheless equipped with raptorial grasping forelimbs and the ability to vent clouds of caustic fungal spores when disturbed. In 1973, soldier Jack Chapman sat atop a camouflaged Spore Mantis before the beast startled and fled into the forest canopy.