Spiny Flower Mantis
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii
- Order & Family
- Mantodea; Hymenopodidae
- Size
- Females 38-50 mm (1.5-2 inches), Males 28-32 mm (1.1-1.25 inches)
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions of Southern and Eastern Africa, typically found on flowers and shrubs.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly carnivorous, preying on various insects such as flies, moths, small butterflies, and other flying insects. They are ambush predators.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their cryptic camouflage resembling flowers, which they use to blend in with their environment and ambush unsuspecting prey. They often sway gently to mimic vegetation moving in the wind. When threatened, they perform a startling 'deimatic display' by flashing their hind wings (which have prominent 'eyespots') to scare off predators. They are generally solitary.
Risks & Benefits
No risks to humans. Beneficial to ecosystems as natural pest control due to their predatory nature, helping to regulate insect populations. They are also popular as exotic pets due to their striking appearance and interesting behavior.