Praying mantises have a knack for stealing your gaze—those bent legs, that poised grace. The Flower Mantis (Creobroter elongatus) turns heads with its floral finesse, blending beauty and trickery into a stunning package. Native to Southeast Asia, this vibrant imposter is a gem for bug enthusiasts, pet keepers, and anyone who loves a nature story with flair. Let’s peel back the petals on what makes this mantis a standout—its dazzling looks, sneaky tactics, and that flower-like charm.
What’s the Flower Mantis All About?
Spanning Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and beyond, the Flower Mantis is a dazzling member of the Hymenopodidae family—the flower mantis crew. Females stretch to 1.5-2 inches, males a bit smaller at 1-1.5, keeping it petite yet striking (Svenson & Whiting, 2004). Named by Carl Thunberg in 1815, elongatus—Latin for “elongated”—nods to its stretched, slender form (Thunberg, 1815). It’s a color riot—green body with pink or yellow highlights, and wings splashed with eye-like spots that mimic petals (Prete et al., 1999). Fun fact: its wing display mimics a flower’s nectar guide—prey buzzes in, hooked by the ruse (O’Hanlon et al., 2014).
Its body’s a floral marvel—curved, spiny forelegs for snagging, a small head with sharp eyes, and wings that flare for dazzle. Males are leaner with better flight; females pack a bit more heft (Svenson & Whiting, 2004). It’s a petal with punch, and it owns the act. [Insert adult mantis photo here]
Where It Hangs Out
Picture Southeast Asia’s tropics—humid jungles, flowering shrubs, garden fringes. This mantis perches on blooms or leaves, blending into the floral scene. It thrives in warm, wet climes—75-90°F—and loves the monsoon season (Battiston et al., 2010). The pet trade’s made it a global hit, but it’s rare in the wild beyond its native range (Maxwell, 1999). Neat tidbit: in Thailand, it’s a “dok mai mantis” (flower mantis)—locals spot it swaying on orchids like a living petal.
What’s on the Menu?
This mantis hunts with floral guile. Flies, moths, small beetles, butterflies—it’s all about winged treats. It sits still, petal-perfect, then—snap—those spiny forelegs strike in 80-100 milliseconds, nailing prey with style (Corrette, 1990). Females might snag bigger bugs or tiny wasps, and cannibalism’s a go if another mantis gets too close (Hurd, 1999). Cool fact: it’s been seen luring bees with its wing spots—mimicking a Hibiscus bloom to seal the deal (O’Hanlon et al., 2014).
Growing Up Flowery
It kicks off with an ootheca—egg case—laid in summer or fall, tucked onto stems or leaves. Each holds 20-50 eggs in a small, tough shell that toughs out the seasons, hatching in 4-6 weeks with warmth (Battiston et al., 2010). Out pop green nymphs with pink streaks, munching fruit flies from the start. They molt 6-7 times—males less, females more—hitting adulthood by late summer (Hurd, 1999). They live 6-9 months with care. Fun fact: nymphs mimic tiny flowers when they sway—a baby bluff that fools ants (Prete et al., 1999). [Insert nymph photo here]
The Mating Game—and That Grim Twist
Mating’s a colorful gamble. Females waft pheromones, flaring wings to lure a male. He sidles up, mounts her, and they’re locked for hours if he’s slick. But here’s the twist: she might chomp his head—40% odds in captivity, less in the wild (Liske & Davis, 1987). It’s a protein boost for her eggs (Barry et al., 2008). Wild detail: headless males keep at it—nerves don’t tap out (Roeder, 1935). It’s floral chaos with a sting.
Playing Its Part in Nature
In Southeast Asia, this mantis is a pest zapper—nailing flies and beetles in jungles and gardens. Its flower act lures prey and spooks predators, but it’s too small to shake big ecosystems (Caro & O’Doherty, 1999). It’s not invasive—stays native—and its wing flare wards off birds with a quick flash (Edmunds, 1972). Cool fact: in Vietnam, it’s a “hoa lừa” (trick flower)—locals say it fools bees like a jungle con artist (Battiston et al., 2010). It’s a petal with a punch.
A Cultural Bloom
In Malaysia, it’s “bunga mantis”—flower mantis—a nod to its bloom-like vibe (Ehrmann, 2002). Thai tales cast it as a spirit dancer, dazzling foes with petal tricks (Kritsky & Cherry, 2000). Interesting nugget: its bee-eating rep sparked myths of it snaring garden fairies—tiny but bold in lore (O’Hanlon et al., 2014). It’s nature with a mythic kick.
Raising Your Own Flower Mantis
Fancy one? It’s a keeper’s treat. Set up a tank—6-9 inches high, three times their length—with twigs or fake flowers for grip. Keep it 75-85°F day, 70s at night—humid’s key (Battiston et al., 2010). Mist daily for 60-80% humidity; they sip the drops. Feed nymphs fruit flies, adults flies, moths, or small crickets—flying prey’s tops. Solo only—they’ll eat kin quick. Oothecae are common online—affordable and fun to hatch. [Insert enclosure photo here]
This is a beginner-friendly pick with flair. It’s hardy—forgives minor slips—and flying prey’s easy to source (Hurd, 1999). Nymphs need care—over-misting risks mold—but they’re tougher than fragile types. Newbies love its size and colors; no crazy setup needed. Pros dig its flower show—just mind that cannibal streak. It’s a petal worth raising.
How It Compares
Here’s the scoop:
| Feature | Flower Mantis (C. elongatus) | Arizona Unicorn Mantis | Gambian Spotted-eye Mantis |
| Size | 1-2 in | 2-3 in | 1-2 in |
| Color | Green/pink/yellow | Brown/green | Green/pink/yellow |
| Mimicry | Flower | Twig/horns | Wing display |
| Home Base | SE Asia | Arizona/Mexico | West Africa |
| Prey | Flying bugs | Anything | Flying bugs |
7 FAQs About the Flower Mantis (Creobroter elongatus)
- How big does a Flower Mantis grow as an adult?
- Females hit 1.5-2 inches, males 1-1.5—small but stunning (Svenson & Whiting, 2004).
- What do Flower Mantis nymphs look like?
Green with pink streaks—tiny flower mimics from the start (Prete et al., 1999).
- Can a Flower Mantis eat crickets instead of flies?
Yes, but it prefers flying prey—crickets work if small (Prete et al., 1999).
- How to care for a Flower Mantis as a pet at home?
6-9 inch tank, 75-85°F, daily misting, flies or moths—easy setup (Battiston et al., 2010).
- Where to buy Flower Mantis ootheca online?
Bug shops like PanTerra Pets or BugsInCyberspace—common and cheap.
- Why does the Flower Mantis have colorful wing spots?
It’s a lure—mimics flowers to draw prey in (O’Hanlon et al., 2014).
- Is the Flower Mantis good for pest control in greenhouses?
Sure, it eats pests—but it’ll nab pollinators too (Caro & O’Doherty, 1999).
Why It’s a Standout
The Flower Mantis is a tiny dazzler—vibrant, sly, and floral. Fun fact: its wing spots match Lantana blooms—prey falls for the trick every time (O’Hanlon et al., 2014). In the wild or a tank, it’s a petal with a punch. Want more mantis tales? Check out our Arizona Unicorn Mantis guide next! [Explore here]
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References
- Barry, K. L., et al. (2008). “Sexual Cannibalism Increases Fecundity in Mantids.” Behavioral Ecology.
- Battiston, R., et al. (2010). Mantids of the Euro-Mediterranean Area. WBA Books.
- Caro, T. M., & O’Doherty, G. (1999). “Predation on Pollinators by Mantids.” Ecology.
- Corrette, B. J. (1990). “Prey Capture Mechanics in Mantids.” Journal of Experimental Biology.
- Edmunds, M. (1972). “Defensive Behavior in Mantids.” Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
- Ehrmann, R. (2002). Mantodea: Gods and Insects. Natur und Tier.
- Hurd, L. E. (1999). “Ecology of Praying Mantids.” In The Praying Mantids.
- Kritsky, G., & Cherry, R. (2000). Insect Mythology. Writers Club Press.
- Liske, E., & Davis, W. J. (1987). “Courtship and Mating Behavior.” Animal Behaviour.
- Maxwell, M. R. (1999). “Invasive Mantids in Non-Native Regions.” In The Praying Mantids.
- O’Hanlon, J. C., et al. (2014). “Flower Mimicry in Mantids.” Behavioral Ecology.
- Prete, F. R., et al. (1999). The Praying Mantids. Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Roeder, K. D. (1935). “Observations on Mantis Mating.” Journal of Insect Behavior.
- Svenson, G. J., & Whiting, M. F. (2004). “Phylogeny of Mantodea.” Systematic Entomology.
- Thunberg, C. P. (1815). “Description of Creobroter elongatus.” Mémoires.