The "bug man" at the reptile show said he is an African Giant Mantis. The thing is amazing, I love to watch him stalk his prey, There is nothing like it. Also the fact that the Mantis is able to turn its head so far( I think almost all the way around) and look in all different directions makes it really unique and feels different then when you are looking at other insects. You know there are little gears turning in there, they watch you and are always figureing things out. I had a large black ant in there the other night and the Mantis tore it in half and was holding both sides of the ant in either leg eating from both sides of it! It was also only 10$ And really easy to take care of. I got him not even an 1" long and he is about 1 1/2" now, he should reach 8".