This is an Orchid Mantis...isn't it pretty? It looks as though it is dancing to some sort of ballet symphony. They are called Orchid Mantises because they mimic orchid flowers. They originate in Malaysia and other parts of Asia.They are different colors at different ages. As 1st instar hatchlings, they resemble ants with black bodies and red legs. After they shed their skin one time (2nd instar), they become white. After a few molts (sheds), males gradually gain a brownish-purple "necklace", while females' necklaces turn green. Other than that, sexing Orchid Mantises is the same as for all mantids...females have six abdominal segments; males eight.
Most Orchid Mantises are white, but sometimes you'll get one with tints of pink. Males fly well and mature far more quickly than females. This makes the Orchid Mantis a little more challenging to breed, as you have to have males and females maturing at about the same time.
I love Orchids, they are my most favourite flower...and this little creature is just amazing..dont you think?
23 comments:
Thats so pretty. Its amazing what nature can make.
Very pretty. It almost doesn't look like it's real.
I do think so. We mostly miss what is around us till someone reminds us- thank you.
Y;-) Paddy
Yeegads! That thing is real! I thought it was a fairy.
And this folks, is how I plan to get my adult education. Blogging.
Wow.
It's weird and creepy, but stunningly beautiful at the same time.
Kinda like a newborn baby...
;)
That's pretty amazing...or, I should say, amazingly pretty. Did you take the picture and where was it located?
I've never heard of such a thing, it's so cool! I just realized I can *really* see it if I click on the picuture. Nature is pretty amazing.
Holy Schmoley...I agree with crabby.
VERY cool! I have only seen these in pictures, but sure would love to see one for real.
Cazzie, since you don't allow anonymous comments anymore I cannot post with the link to my new blog home. So don't forget to come see me!
Phishez, I agree, I was so wrapped to find this and had to show every1 :)
Captain, I know, I thought it a joke at first but alas it is not.
Paddy, amazingly yes..I agree..we miss these lovely things nature has.
Crabby, yep, aint no shenanigans bout this one lady :)
Alicia, have you got my place bugged or what...lol. I was just saying to a friend yesterday how people describe a newborn as gorgeous and all that..and I always say, nope, the babies aren't gorgeous, they look like aliens with their cone heads and all when they are newborn..they look like a little human after about a week..and at 4 months they are devine!!
Ginnie, it is just gorgeous. I found it by googling images of my favourite flower the Orchid. This was one of the images I found. So I went to the link of it. And it is all real. Found in Asia I believe...just lovely.
QOD, My Mia loves them too and did you see the picture of the green one from our garden?
http://idontdomornings.blogspot.com/2007/05/supergirl-mia.html
A Slice Of Life. I know, I had to enlarge the image myself too to truly believe it all.
Rosemary, me too :)
Gawilli, will brb over..
That's freaky cool! It looks like some alien being. LOL
sooooo pretty!
Keshi.
This is fair dinkum... for real... you are kidding?
It looks like something from fanatsy art.
Wow!
Unbelievanle!
Jay, I thought so too.
Keshi, I know it :)
Therese, I know, I could not believe my eyes..isn't it gorgeous!!
Crazy Beautiful Bug!
Cazzie , the mantis is amazing and does look very much like an orchid.
Never saw one of those before. Very unusual.
Cool bug Cazzie!!
Well yes, unless you are an insect or a humming bird. Mean critters - mantises
Australia has such interesting and beautiful critters!
Thanks for the petty picture.
That's so cool! So is there an online store somewhere I can buy one? I want one! I want one right now!!!
I don't like bugs - but that's really gorgeous. I like your page!
Never heard of such a thing! What a cool picture. I love orchids as well. Thanks for posting.
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