Orchid Mantis

Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam). They are primarily found on orchids or Frangipani trees.

Carnivorous. They primarily eat flying insects like bees, flies, butterflies, and moths. They use aggressive mimicry to lure prey by imitating a flower.

Master of camouflage; they have petal-shaped legs and colors that mimic orchid flowers. They are solitary ambush predators. The life cycle involves hemimetabolous metamorphosis: egg (ootheca), nymph, and adult.

Benefits the ecosystem as a natural form of pest control. They are harmless to humans and are popular in the exotic pet trade due to their unique appearance, although they require specialized care.