Name that critter

[Ana]

In the family with Orchidean mantis? May this be Hestiasula brunneriana? (don't know common name, I only found it on wikipedia  )

[brontodocus]

In the family with Orchidean mantis? May this be Hestiasula brunneriana? (don't know common name, I only found it on wikipedia  )

Hooray, yes, it's Hestiasula brunneriana! The vernacular name is "Boxer Mantis" although they are not boxing with their raptorial legs. Instead they use their enlarged femora for some sort of intraspecific communication, whenever two specimens meet each other they show their raptorial legs and almost wave them like a flag - by this they avoid preying on each other and several individuals can be kept together.

[Jetoar]

congratulations  .

[Varanus]

Edit:  Note to self, check to see that one is actually on the most recent page of the thread.

Anyway, congrats Ana!  I think I was stuck on the wrong family of mantids.

[Ana]

OK, my question is about bird, perhaps it's not difficult at all but I love this species and would like to show it here

[Varanus]

I believe those are Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca).

[tyrantqueen]

[brontodocus]

Tyrantqueen, I'm pretty sure it's Varanus' turn, sorry:

I believe those are Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca).

[Ana]

I believe those are Velvet Scoters (Melanitta fusca).

That's correct

[tyrantqueen]

Tyrantqueen, I'm pretty sure it's Varanus' turn, sorry:

Sorry, my bad.

[Varanus]

Hooray for little, obscure, brown birds!

[Jetoar]

It is a a one kind of sparrow?

[Ana]

Small brown birds are usually hard to guess I think this one is not coming from Europe, am I right?   

[Varanus]

It is a a one kind of sparrow?

Yes, but what kind?    And remember, there are two families of "sparrows".

Small brown birds are usually hard to guess I think this one is not coming from Europe, am I right?   

Correct, this one is not from Europe, or Asia for that matter.

Studying the pattern on the face will probably be most helpful.

[Jetoar]

Very difficult friend  .

[Ana]

OK, I think it may be Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) an American species, am I correct? 

About face markings, it's funny but they are little bit similar to those of many larks' faces. But of course body proportions are not at all similar 

[Varanus]

OK, I think it may be Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) an American species, am I correct? 

About face markings, it's funny but they are little bit similar to those of many larks' faces. But of course body proportions are not at all similar 

Correct!

[Jetoar]

Congratulations  .

[Ana]

I must think about next riddle  

OK, I got it

[AnimalToyForum]

Tricky, but it is a rat! The southern giant slender-tailed cloud rat (Phloeomys cumingi). Right?

If so, here's mine