Species · GBIF taxon 1406471
Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus coronatusAlso known as Walking Flower Mantis, Orchid-Blossom Mantis, Pink Orchid Mantis
Orchid mantises exhibit one of the most sophisticated examples of aggressive mimicry in the animal kingdom, sporting petal-like femoral lobes in shades of brilliant pink and white. They sit motionless on flowers or leaves, swaying gently to imitate wind-blown blossoms while waiting for unsuspecting pollinators to fly directly into their grasp. Females grow more than twice the size of males, a stark sexual dimorphism that dictates their differing hunting strategies and lifespans.
CamouflagedPredatoryTropical
Licensed referenceLuc Viatour / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous (primarily pollinating insects)
- family
- Hymenopodidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction and over-collection for the exotic pet trade
- life Span
- 5 to 9 months
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look for Movement: Scan flowering bushes in humid environments, watching for a blossom that sways out of sync with the wind.
- Observe Quietly: Avoid touching these delicate insects, as handling can easily damage their fragile, petal-like limbs.
- Watch the Forelegs: Look closely at the front legs to see the sharp, spine-lined raptorial claws tucked beneath the head.