The term insects bring out the image of spooky arthropods that look creepy and sometimes frightening. But did you know about the Praying Mantis that looks like a flower?
Besides, these adaptations of the insect are their way to survive in the wild. Let’s dive into the article to learn how different Mantis blend into its surrounding.
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Why Do Praying Mantis Look Like a Flower?
Praying Mantis do not naturally look like flowers, but some species have evolved specific adaptations to mimic flowers for their survival and hunting strategies.
Mimicking a flower allows the Mantis to attract the insects like bees, butterflies, and other pollinators towards them.
Further, these prey insect mistake the Mantis for a real flower and fall into the trap.
Also, resembling a twig, leaf, or flower helps the Mantis remain inconspicuous from predators like birds and reptiles.
Moreover, the camouflage tactic is the approach of Mantis for an increased chance of survival.
3+ Praying Mantis That Looks Like a Flower
Nature never fails to amaze us with its exciting creation.
After the bird-like Orchids and a flower that looks like cats, it’s time for Praying Mantis (insects) that looks like a flower.
1. Flower Mantis or Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus coronatus, commonly known as Flower Mantis or Orchid Mantis, is a type of Pryaimg Manyis uniquely resembling an Orchid flower.
The petal-like body extension of these Mantis with soft pink to white color makes it a perfect example of among the Pryaing plants that look like a flower.
However, the color palette of the insect may vary to camouflage itself, which is triggered by the surrounding.
Meanwhile, the outspread white legs of an inch to 1.5-inch-long insect imitate the soft-velvety petal of the Orchid.
This helps the insect naturally attract and confuse its prey, like butterflies and beetles.
2. Dead Leaf Mantis
As the name suggests, Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys desiccata) has evolved to imitate dried leaves, helping them blend seamlessly with its surrounding.
Native to Southeast Asia, these Mantis are broader and flatter compared to the others on the list.
The Female Dead Leaf Mantis are 60 to 70 mm long, while the male is about 10 mm shorter than the female.
Further, due to its enhanced camouflaging nature, Dead Leaf Mantis’s wings might confuse you for the leaf veins.
3. Thistle Mantis
If you have ever witnessed a spiky Creeping Thistle or a Globe Thistle, that’s exactly how Thistle Mantis looks. And successfully hides among them.
Blepharopsis mendica, aka Thistle Mantis, is a 50-60 mm insect having spiky and elongated limbs just like the thorny foliage of the Thistle flower.
Further, the body of these Mantis is slender and flattened, helping them put out of their predator’s sight.
Also, these insects will likely tolerate the neem oil in case you have to use it for other surrounding pests.
4. Ghost Mantis
Belonging to the forest of Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Madagascar, the brown tan of Ghost Mantis is the reason for their amalgamation with its surrounding.
Moreover, the 40-50 mm long insect has a remarkable capability to mimic the color and patterns of the environment. Thus, the name Ghost Mantis.
However, these Mantis lacks elaborate extensions like that of the Flower Mantis.
Editor’s Note
Be Protected!
Praying Mantis that looks like a flower is uncommon in normal surroundings.
But if you happen to identify one, make sure not to touch them bare-handed to avoid any allergic reaction.
Mantis are less likely to bite but use protective gloves before you touch them.
