Coolest Mantis EVER!

[vfem]

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/

 

[bj taylor]

there is no way that is an insect. I had to look & look to see it

 

[baymule]

That is one beautiful bug!

 

[so lucky]

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

 

[Greenthumb18]

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

 

[JimWWhite]

Absolutely incredible! Thanks for sharing!

 

[canesisters]

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

 

[vfem]

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!!!

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

I didn't know "lovely" could ever describe a Mantis, but I think it is lovely.

 

[canesisters]

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.