Field Notes: October 2, 2025 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Location: Stone path, Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Encounter Summary: Where the path kinks toward a mossed wall I met Pavomantis acerifolia—known locally as "Peacock Leaf"—stepping crabwise among wet stones. Palm-length, it wore a bark-brown thorax knuckled like lichen, stilted legs with tiny red-tipped feet, and a folded caudal fan the shape of a small maple leaf, pale olive to lilac with purple venation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Experience magical mountains, valleys, caves and waterfalls at this dreamlike geopark, that inspired the blockbuster sci-fi film Avatar. | Culture Trip