The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is a mantis that occupies the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The species is known for its brilliant coloring and build that is adapted for camouflage and mimicking parts of the orchid flower. They can change their color between pink and brown according to the color of the background. Their four walking legs resemble flower petals, and the toothed front pair of legs is used for grasping prey. Orchid Mantises are carnivores and they mainly catch other insects like crickets, flies, beetles, and bees; in lab settings they prefer lepidopteran prey.
The Orchid Mantis has an overall body length between 1.18”-2.75” (3-7 cm), body width of .2”-.5” (5-12.5 mm), and body height of .12”-.28” (3-7 mm). The typical lifespan of the Orchid Mantis is between 5-9 months.
The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is a mantis that occupies the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The species is known for its brilliant coloring and build that is adapted for camouflage and mimicking parts of the orchid flower. They can change their color between pink and brown according to the color of the background. Their four walking legs resemble flower petals, and the toothed front pair of legs is used for grasping prey. Orchid Mantises are carnivores and they mainly catch other insects like crickets, flies, beetles, and bees; in lab settings they prefer lepidopteran prey.
The Orchid Mantis has an overall body length between 1.18”-2.75” (3-7 cm), body width of .2”-.5” (5-12.5 mm), and body height of .12”-.28” (3-7 mm). The typical lifespan of the Orchid Mantis is between 5-9 months.
