The creature spreads out like a fan actuated by a spring, or a fantastic Jack-in-the-box.
The wing-covers open, and are thrust obliquely aside; the wings spring to their full width, standing up like parallel screens of transparent gauze, forming a pyramidal prominence which dominates the back; the end of the abdomen curls upwards crosier-wise, then falls and unbends itself with a sort of swishing noise, a _pouf! pouf!_ like the sound emitted by the feathers of a strutting turkey-cock.

One is reminded of the puffing of a startled adder.
Proudly straddling on its four hind-claws, the insect holds its long body almost vertical.

The murderous fore-limbs, at first folded and pressed against one another on the thorax, open to their full extent, forming a cross with the body, and exhibiting the axillae ornamented with rows of pearls, and a black spot with a central point of white.

These two eyes, faintly recalling those of the peacock's tail, and the fine ebony embossments, are part of the blazonry of conflict, concealed upon ordinary occasions.

Their jewels are only assumed when they make themselves terrible and superb for battle.
Motionless in its weird position, the Mantis surveys the acridian, its gaze fixed upon it, its head turning gently as on a pivot as the other changes place.