The Orchid Mantis mimics orchids to lure prey

[JungleWriter]

This is an interesting article. I wonder if there is coevolution between the orchid and the mantis. There must be a reproductive cost to the orchid if the mantis is munching its pollinators!

Found! First Known Predator To Lure Prey By Mimicking Flowers

[orchidsarefun]

its probably likely that the specialised pollinators aren't fooled or pollination takes place at night - its the random nectar seekers that pay the price !
Mantis are fascinating. I have always wondered why no horror movie has featured them as they are voracious eaters, normally head first.

[WhiteRabbit]

Interesting!

[samarak]

For those who want to see more, there are a lot of good images on Flickr and some of the other popular picture sites - there are people who raise orchid mantises in captivity. (I only know this because I needed content for our local newsletter a couple of months ago and put something together on them to fill up a page.)

Steve

[Orchid Whisperer]

I enjoyed the pics & article, but the headline is a bit odd, since the orchid mantis has been 'found' for a long time. There are specialty mantid pet dealers that sell these mail order: Mantids for Sale - Mantis Pets - Home of the Praying Mantis

[JungleWriter]

Yes, the headline was a bit misleading. What is new is the science confirming that the mantis flower mimicry makes it as attractive as real flowers.

[RosieC]

Cool!

[JungleWriter]

It's also interesting that the mantis mimics orchids. Maybe other flowers such as composites or legumes don't lend themselves to such mimicry.

[Tindomul]

Yes, I would also say that the mantis is probably more likely to eat species that are pests to the orchid.