Orchid Praying Mantis
Hymenopus coronatus
The orchid praying mantis is found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is also found in the Western Ghats of India. This species mimics the orchid flower with the four walking legs resembling the petals of the flower. It can be used as both a camouflage against predators but also to attract pollinating insects to them! The females are twice the size of the males.
- Size:
- Up to around 6cm
- Diet:
- Carnivorous, eating insects especially butterflies and bees
- Speed:
- Usually remains still on trees, but has a very fast strike with its forelimbs to grab prey
- Habitat:
- Rainforest
- Superpower:
- Mimics orchid flower! This enables this insect to attract prey to them, such as butterflies that seek nectar!