Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Nature & Travel > Nature

The Mantis That Disguises Itself as an Orchid

Edited By: Shai K.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

Many of us are not fans of insects, but you have to admit that the orchid mantis is truly breathtaking!

One of nature's most spectacular beings is also one of the most vicious. The orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is a mantis species in the rain forests of Southeast Asia that is characterized by brilliant coloring and a structure uniquely mirroring the shape of the orchid plant. The mantis, however, does not always look this beautiful and regal, but rather camouflages into its stunning shape when it wants to catch its prey.

When the orchid mantis is not blending into a nearby flower to catch its prey, the mantis has a yellow and black colors, making it look like a number of other insects in the jungle. However, once the mantis spots an insect that it would like to make its prey, it immediately begins to blend into the pink flower, spanning petal-shaped legs and rich pink, white and purple bodies.

orchind mantis 2

The orchid mantis is a newly discovered species. In the 1800s, scientists believed that the mantis had the ability to camouflage itself, but it was never proven. Now, over a century later, there is definitive proof that the mantis mimics flowers in order to catch its prey.

orchind mantis 3

Recently, a team of Australian researchers from the University of Sydney traveled to Malaysia and Indonesia to observe the orchid mantis in action. The found that conducting the study would not be easy because there was no scientific information regarding the insects. The researchers identified the mantises under wavelengths of visible light and confirmed that their colors were indistinguishable from the 13 species of wild flowers they camouflaged into.

orchind mantis 4

orchid mantis 5

Then the researchers began to observe how the mantis hunts. They watched as over a dozen pollinators approach what they thought was an innocent plant, only to suddenly be snatched and quickly gobbled up.

orchid mantis 6

"We now know that not only is it possible for mantises to lure pollinators, but we know that they are amazingly good at it," said James O'Hanlon. He believes that the mantises may be even better at attracting the pollinators than most flowers. There are many insects and animals that disguise themselves to ambush their prey, but rarely do any of them attract the prey itself; it's usually subject to chance.

orchid mantis 7

Get to know the beauty and terror of this mystical creature a little better - a true reminder that nature has infinite things in store!

having trouble playing this movie? click here

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Nature

6 Stinging Plants You Wouldn't Want to Run Into, Literally

This Plant's Sting Lasts YEARS After the Initial Impact

In this article, we will share six of mother nature’s plants you literally wouldn’t want to run into ever in your life.

Nature

These Rare Mushrooms Can Glow In the Dark

Only about 70 mushroom species out of 14,000 have this beautiful and rare ability.

Nature

How 2 Spoons of Seeds Made an Entire Desert Flourish

9:04

Iceland's Deserts are Flowering Again With This Species

A purple flower has taken over Iceland's deserts...

Nature

15:39

9 Myths About Mushrooms BUSTED For Good

Can we eat mushrooms raw or must we cook them first? Do they all have medicinal properties? And how can they help with cancer?

Nature

Extreme Alternative Agriculture: Growing Basil Underwater

Join us on a swim to Nemo’s Garden, a hydroponic garden at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cute overload

Believe It or Not, Bees Like to Play Ball. Here's What it Looks Like

6:37

Bumblebees Are Even Cuter Than We Imagined!

Believe it or not, bumblebees like to play ball. Here's what it looks like.

Health

Study: Even Two Cigarettes a Day Double the Risk of Death

A comprehensive study by the American Heart Association reveals alarming findings: smoking just 2 cigarettes per day doubles the risk of heart disease and increases mortality risk by approximately 60%.

Health