The orchid mantris

This week we look at one of nature’s natural mimics the orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus). The orchid mantis lives in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Indonesia in characteristic solitude.

As the name suggests the orchid mantis is orchid like – particularly the juvenile. As mantises mature however, they appear less like flowers (to humans at least) because their long wings extend over the thorax and abdomen, covering their legs.

Behavioural ecologist, James O’Hanlon, has suggested that rather than really mimicking one floral species, the insect instead embodies a “generic or an average type of flower” in order to attract bees and other pollinating insects as prey

Use the link for more information about this fascinating insect

The secrets of the orchid mantis revealed

Or watch a video of the Orchid mantis 7 month life cycle via YouTube

Image: Muhamad Ikhsan