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

20 Elegant White Flowers You Can Easily Grow Yourself

These Gorgeous White Flowers Are the Height of Sophistication

The color of elegance and refinement, white can elevate any flowerbed!

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.

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

WATCH: This Bee Builds a Nest with Dazzling Flair

5:02

Bee-autiful Builder: Watch a Bee Build Her Home!

Ever wondered how bees build their nests? Time to find out.

Nature

3:07

Spore to Fungi: The Lifecycle of Mushrooms in Fast-Forward

Enjoy this look into one of nature's most incredible shows: the lifecycle of the mushroom in time-lapse over 2 years.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Learn About 12 Popular Spices in Their Natural Form

We've gathered 12 very common spices and included photos showing them as plants blooming in nature.

Health

The 4 Stages and Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune condition that can advance through four distinct stages, from early inflammation to severe joint damage.

Health

How and Why Apple Cider Vinegar Affects Weight Loss

Research Shows: Just 2 Spoons of This to Lose Weight

Cider Apple vinegar is making headlines again following a study that found two tablespoons of it per day may greatly help with weight loss and improving blood sugar. Even more than expensive medications and treatments with many side effects.

Send Comment

Related Topics: nature, plants, insects, orchid, amazing photos

Quizzes

What Do You Know About Classical Music?

his quiz is designed to ease you in with accessible questions before gradually testing your deeper knowledge of composers, forms, and musical history.

Spelling Quiz July 2025

Do you trust your internal spell-checker? It's time to find out if your spelling game is elite… or due for a tune-up.

Which Shade of Pink Matches You Perfectly?

We will ask you 12 questions about your life and inner world. You should answer honestly, and at the end of the test it will be revealed what the meaning of the shade of pink that best suits your character is.