Coolest Mantis EVER!

vfem

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This is by far NOT a pest! How cool would this be to find in your garden?

http://www.keepinginsects.com/praying-mantis/species/orchid-mantis/

hymenopuscoronatus3.jpg
 

so lucky

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I don't know if it would be any less creepy when it turns it head to watch you. Beautiful, however!
 

Greenthumb18

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Wow.... are you sure thats not a flower. I didnt know praying mantis change color like a chameleon. Thats neat, Thanks for posting this! :)
 

canesisters

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I don't think they change color, I'm pretty sure this guy's is always pink. ?
 

vfem

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The info I found says its always that color as to lure pollinators straight to them, as they confuse them with flowers themselves. Looks like they live in a mainly tropical asian zone where something is always blooming.

I showed hubby and he had to relook at it like 5 times!!! :)
 

canesisters

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I've always been fascinated with them. Yesterday I was weedeating (about 2.5hrs worth..<sigh> ) and nearly broke my machine when I thought I saw a LARGE mantis just as I swiped past an area. I had to drop the thing and check to see if I had hurt him. Turns out it was a piece of bark.
 

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