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Orchid mantises, Hymenopus coronatus, live in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. The females are big, measuring 2.3 to 2.7 inches (6 to 7 centimeters) long compared to their male counterparts only 0.7 to 1.1 inches (2 to 3 centimeters) long.
Since their discovery more than 100 years ago, it was thought these floral mantises evolved to their beautiful pink and white colors and wide flat legs to imitate orchid flowers and confuse prey. Then, they sneakily attack insects like moths, butterflies, beetles, or even frogs and scorpions . This type of evolution is called cryptic mimicry or cryptic coloration and can be used for defensive or aggressive purposes. Other insects, such as the leaf-life katydid, do it too. #insect
Since their discovery more than 100 years ago, it was thought these floral mantises evolved to their beautiful pink and white colors and wide flat legs to imitate orchid flowers and confuse prey. Then, they sneakily attack insects like moths, butterflies, beetles, or even frogs and scorpions . This type of evolution is called cryptic mimicry or cryptic coloration and can be used for defensive or aggressive purposes. Other insects, such as the leaf-life katydid, do it too. #insect
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wow. this is amazing. I knew about preying mantis, but have never heard of these orchid mantis. how cool!
