Flower mantis is an insect that mimics a flower to attract prey or to avoid predators. There are many species (kinds) of flower mantis. They live mainly in the rain forests of Africa and of South and Southeast Asia. Flower mantises range in length from 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) to several inches or centimeters.
A flower mantis has a long body, large eyes, and a highly movable head, which it can turn completely backward. It also has long, quick-moving forelegs, which it uses to capture prey. Flower mantises eat such insects as bees, butterflies, and flies.
The orchid mantis is a species of flower mantis found in Southeast Asia. Males grow to 2.5 inches (6.5 centimeters) long. Female orchid mantises grow up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) long. The orchid mantis mimics an orchid blossom in appearance. The insect is usually pink or white and has projections that look like flower petals sticking out from its legs. The orchid mantis hunts by sitting completely still on a branch or leaf. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, may mistake the insect for a flower and approach it to feed. When the pollinator gets close enough, the orchid mantis quickly captures and eats it.
