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:

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.

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

12 Beautiful Plants that Flourish in the Summer Heat

many plants are simply unable to grow in the summer heat. but the 12 before you do well in it and can decorate your house all summer long.

Nature

1:36

140 Days in Less Than 2 Minutes- Pomegranate Time Lapse

This time-lapse will show you what to expect when you're trying to grow a brand-new pomegranate tree from fruit and exactly how to do it.

Nature

INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty

These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.

Nature

5:24

Watch These Colorful Moths Fly in Exquisite Slow Motion

In this video, a talented photographer used slow motion to show us the most beautiful moments with colorful, fuzzy moths.

Health

How AI Can Help You Manage Your Diabetes

How AI is Revolutionizing Diabetes Management

There's good news on the horizon: artificial intelligence is stepping in to make diabetes management easier, more personalized, and more effective than ever before.

Computers & Internet

2:19

Google Presents Genie: A New Way to Create Interactions

This is Project Genie. Where imagination meets interaction, and every prompt opens a new frontier in AI research.

Send Comment

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

Quizzes

The Women Who Changed History

From Nobel Prize winners to Olympic champions, from revolutionary artists to tech innovators - let's see how well you know these extraordinary female trailblazers.

What Do You Know About Social Media?

Whether you’re a longtime Facebook veteran or an Instagram minimalist, you’ll find a mix of nostalgia, history, and surprising details that shaped the digital world we scroll through every day.

A Light and Fun Memory Test for Brain Training

It is not a trivia quiz, but a light yet sophisticated test designed to measure your immediate visual recall. Let's check your memory out!