Phyllocrania illudensOnly a few of these rare and special mantids. Very similar to P. paradoxa, but slightly larger, also having larger crowns. P. Paradoxa Ghost Mantis. a small species of mantis from Africa remarkable for its leaf like body. It is one of the three species in the genus Phyllocrania. Description Compared to many other praying mantises, the illudens mantis is a "medium size" growing to about 50 to 60 millimetres (2. 0 to 2. 5 in) long. It comes in various