Velocimantis

This is my contest entry for !
The challenge was to create a new creature by combining certain features from real animals. In my case, I chose a praying mantis, and a velociraptor. I got permission to use dinosaurs beforehand.

The velocimantis would live in extremely hot and humid climates, so most likely in a jungle environment. It is a cunning carnivore, using its speed and agility to its fullest when pursuing prey. This creature tends to eat animals smaller than itself and unguarded eggs, but will occasionally hunt larger prey with a group of velocimantis when they gather in the summer months to mate. Its camouflage helps enormously when stalking prey, but is also the most important defense mechanism when they are young. Babies are highly sensitive to cold temperatures, so the mother will use her leaf-like vestigial wings to protect the hatchlings from the frequent rains. The wings are no longer used for flight but are instead used to impress females during mating season in conjunction with their teeth and scythe-like arms. The arms grasp prey to prevent escape when the velocimantis deals a death blow with its jaws. The velocimantis is very intelligent, able to quickly solve simple puzzles and learn new tricks. If one should encounter this creature, it is best to climb up a tree, as climbing is impossible for this animal. Don't run away. That would be stupid.

All right, that's the most I can think of for this guy! Enjoy!