Devils Flower Mantis Idolomantis Diabolica

One of the largest types of praying mantis, the Devils Flower Mantis is also one of the strangest. And thats saying a lot when youre talking about praying mantids. Females of the species can measure up to 5 inches (13 cm) long, and have developed a range of natural coloring that allows them to mimic the Devils Flower, a type of orchid. Mantids are predators, and their hunting style usually involves sitting motionless until their prey comes within reach, and then whipping their forearms out at lightning speed to snag flies, beetles, even, in some cases, birds. The Devils Flower Mantis uses color patterns that mimic a flower to actually lure its prey within reach.