The orchid mantis is one of the most camouflaged insects on Earth, exhibiting extreme sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying distinct appearances. Their limbs have evolved petal-like structures and colors. Many different orchid species are inhabited by various orchid mantises, possessing perfect camouflage and the ability to adjust their body color to match the shades of the flower. The orchid mantis is considered one of the most beautiful species in the order Mantises.
The orchid mantis is an insect belonging to the family Mantisidae. Its appearance is quite striking, with four legs resembling flower petals, hence its name. In 2015, the Belgian Post Office issued a series of five stamps titled "Plant or Animal?", one of which depicts the orchid mantis.
The orchid mantis is a diurnal insect with a strong hunting instinct, capable of preying on even its own kind. Flies, spiders, bees, butterflies, and moths are among its prey. The orchid mantis's preferred hunting method is "ambush," hiding among orchids, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. This hunting method is both bloody and romantic.
In ancient Greece, the praying mantis was called the "praying insect" because its raised hands resembled those of a praying maiden. There are over 2,200 known species of praying mantises worldwide, and 112 species belonging to 47 genera and 8 families have been recorded in China.
The orchid mantis goes through many stages in its life, often molting multiple times. The number of molts differs between female and male orchid mantises. The orchid mantis doesn't possess the breathtaking beauty it displays as a larva until the transition from its first molt to adulthood; only then does it reveal its beautiful pink color.
The book "Queen of Insects: The Orchid Mantis" states: "The orchid mantis is an insect whose beauty surpasses human imagination. Perhaps even the Creator himself could not have imagined the elegant and beautiful appearance of the orchid mantis. Those who are fortunate enough to encounter the orchid mantis and personally admire this elegant creature are surely blessed."
We know that female praying mantises often eat the male after mating, sometimes even during the mating process itself, as the male's body is already mostly consumed. This has been observed in orchid mantises as well.
In my country, the praying mantis often represents courage. The ancient Chinese saying "a mantis trying to stop a chariot" goes without saying, and in the Qing Dynasty, there was even a martial art called Praying Mantis Boxing, which imitated the praying mantis.
Orchids are very beautiful, and the orchid mantis is also one of the most visually striking mantises. The orchid mantis can truly be considered a masterpiece of nature.
