Voting rules: Choose the praying mantis you think is the most beautiful!
By Gregor Krambs
Updated on Mar 12, 2024 06:26
Welcome to StrawPoll's mesmerizing world of mantids! Join us in our quest to find the most beautiful praying mantis by casting your vote in our latest ranking. With thousands of striking and captivating species to choose from, we've narrowed the list down to showcase the best of the best in the enchanting world of these elegant insects. Will it be the spellbinding Orchid Mantis, the vibrant Indian Flower Mantis or perhaps a hidden gem yet to be discovered? The power lies in your hands! So, delve into the fascinating realm of these beguiling creatures, vote for your favorite, and even suggest a missing contender that deserves to be on our list. Let's embark on this enthralling journey together and crown the most beautiful praying mantis of them all!
What Is the Most Beautiful Praying Mantis?
1
65
votes
Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)
Orchid mantis - known for its stunning white and pink coloration, resembling an orchid flower.
The Orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is a species of praying mantis known for its incredible beauty and stunning camouflage. It is commonly referred to as the Orchid mantis due to its resemblance to an orchid flower.
- Coloration: The Orchid mantis exhibits a remarkable range of colors including white, pink, and light green, allowing it to blend perfectly with orchid flowers in its natural habitat.
- Mimicry: This mantis species has evolved to mimic the appearance of orchid flowers to attract its prey, primarily other insects and small arthropods.
- Size: On average, adult Orchid mantises measure about 5 centimeters in length.
- Shape: Its body features a slender and elongated shape, allowing it to move stealthily and quickly when hunting.
- Legs: The Orchid mantis has slender and spiky legs, providing it with excellent grip and precision during hunting and climbing activities.
2
14
votes
Fir0002·GFDL 1.2
Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa)
Ghost mantis is its transparent wings and body give it a ghostly appearance.
The Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) is a fascinating and visually stunning species of praying mantis. It gets its name from its ghost-like appearance, as it has a pale coloration and thin body shape, enabling it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. This camouflage helps it to remain undetected by both predators and prey.
- Scientific name: Phyllocrania paradoxa
- Common name: Ghost Mantis
- Size: Approximately 5 - 7 cm in length (females are larger than males)
- Coloration: Varies from pale green or brown to white, resembling dried leaves in appearance
- Habitat: Native to the tropical regions of Africa, specifically found in countries like Kenya and Tanzania
3
24
votes
Adrian Pingstone·Public domain
Dead leaf mantis (Deroplatys desiccata)
Dead leaf mantis - its flattened and leaf-like shape allows for excellent camouflage.
The Dead leaf mantis (Deroplatys desiccata) is a fascinating species of praying mantis known for its exceptional camouflage resembling a dried leaf. This species originates from Southeast Asia and is highly regarded for its beauty and unique adaptation to mimic dead leaves. The Dead leaf mantis is a remarkable example of nature's ability to create incredible disguises.
- Size: Adults reach a length of about 3 to 3.5 inches (7.5 to 9 cm)
- Coloration: Usually reddish brown or gray, mimicking the appearance of dried leaves
- Body shape: Thin and elongated, with leaf-like extensions on the thorax and wings
- Leg structure: Equipped with strong, spiky forelegs used for grasping prey
- Mimicry: Adapted to resemble a dead leaf in shape, color, and texture, including veins on the wings
4
18
votes
Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
Chinese mantis is a large and striking mantis with green and brown coloration.
The Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) is a species of praying mantis that is renowned for its striking beauty and impressive size. It is often considered one of the most visually captivating mantises.
- Scientific Name: Tenodera sinensis
- Habitat: Found in various habitats including gardens, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas.
- Size: Adult females: 8 - 10 cm (3 - 4 inches) in length; Adult males: 6 - 8 cm (2.4 - 3.2 inches) in length
- Coloration: Adults: Typically bright green or tan with shades of brown; Nymphs: Vary in color from brown to black
- Body Shape: Slender and elongated body with a triangular head and prominent compound eyes
5
20
votes
Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii)
Spiny flower mantis is its bright green coloration and spiny appearance make it a popular mantis among collectors.
The Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) is a stunning species of praying mantis that is known for its beautiful and intricate appearance. This mantis is commonly found in regions of southern and eastern Africa. Its name 'Spiny flower mantis' is derived from the numerous spines on its body that resemble thorns and its ability to mimic a flower petal when threatened or hunting.
- Size: Approximately 5-7 cm in length
- Coloration: Varies between green, yellow, and brown, often with vibrant patterns
- Body structure: Slim and elongated, with long legs and a triangular head
- Forelegs: Equipped with sharp spikes used for catching prey
- Camouflage: Capable of blending with its surroundings, mimicking a flower or leaf
6
11
votes
KENPEI·CC BY-SA 3.0
Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula membranacea)
Giant Asian mantis - one of the largest mantises, with striking green and brown coloration.
The Giant Asian mantis (Hierodula membranacea) is a species of praying mantis native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its large size and striking appearance.
- Size: Adults can reach lengths of 10 to 13 centimeters.
- Color: Typically green or brown with various patterns and markings.
- Body Structure: Slim and elongated body with a triangular-shaped head.
- Front Legs: Modified into strong raptorial arms, used to catch prey with lightning-fast movements.
- Camouflage: Capable of blending into its surroundings to remain hidden from predators.
7
7
votes
Drägüs·CC BY-SA 3.0
Devil's flower mantis (Idolomantis diabolica)
Devil's flower mantis is known for its unique "horns" and bright green coloration, resembling a demon.
The Devil's flower mantis (Idolomantis diabolica) is a species of praying mantis known for its stunning beauty and unique appearance. This mantis is aptly named due to its striking red and black coloration, resembling a devilish creature. Its body is elongated and slender, with well-developed wings that are folded flat on its back when at rest. The Devil's flower mantis is known for its fascinating behavior of displaying a 'prayer-like' stance when threatened, further adding to its enigmatic charm.
- Scientific Name: Idolomantis diabolica
- Coloration: Red and black
- Body Structure: Elongated and slender
- Wing Feature: Well-developed and folded flat on the back
- Defensive Behavior: Prayer-like stance when threatened
8
8
votes
African mantis (Sphodromantis lineola)
African mantis is a large and impressive mantis with green and brown coloration.
The African mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) is a species of praying mantis known for its captivating beauty and unique characteristics. With its striking appearance and remarkable behavior, this mantis has garnered attention from nature enthusiasts around the world.
- Scientific classification: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Mantodea, Family: Mantidae, Genus: Sphodromantis, Species: S. lineola
- Habitat: Native to various regions of Africa, including countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania, where it can be found in diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forests.
- Appearance: The African mantis showcases an array of vibrant colors, including shades of green, brown, and sometimes pink. It has a slender body with long, slender legs and prominent raptorial front legs used for capturing prey. The wings span across the body and are typically greenish-brown.
- Size: On average, adult African mantises measure around 6 to 7 centimeters in length, with females being slightly larger than males.
- Camouflage and Adaptation: This mantis has evolved remarkable camouflaging abilities, allowing it to blend effortlessly into its surroundings. It can mimic leaves, twigs, or even flowers, providing excellent concealment from predators and prey alike.
9
10
votes
Violin mantis (Gongylus gongylodes)
Violin mantis is its elongated and thin shape resembles a violin, with brown and green coloration.
The Violin mantis (Gongylus gongylodes) is a species of praying mantis known for its striking appearance and unique body shape. It gets its name from the violin-like shape of its thorax, which is elongated and slim. This mantis species is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and intriguing insects in the world.
- Common Name: Violin mantis
- Scientific Name: Gongylus gongylodes
- Family: Empusidae
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests and woodlands
- Size: Females: 4-7 cm, Males: 3-4 cm
10
6
votes
Mediterranean mantis (Iris oratoria)
Mediterranean mantis is a beautiful and colorful mantis with green, brown, and purple coloration.
The Mediterranean mantis (Iris oratoria) is a species of praying mantis known for its striking appearance. It showcases a vibrant mix of colors, including shades of green and brown, with intricate patterns on its body. The Mantid is characterized by its long and slender body, front legs modified for capturing prey, and large compound eyes that provide excellent vision.
- Scientific Name: Iris oratoria
- Size: Approximately 6-8 cm in length
- Habitat: Found in the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa and Southern Europe
- Lifespan: Up to 9 months
- Camouflage Ability: Excellent, can blend in with its surroundings
Missing your favorite praying mantis?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful praying mantis
Coloration
The color pattern and vibrancy of a praying mantis can be an essential factor in determining its beauty. Some species have unique and striking color variations, making them stand out from others.
Shape and size
The overall body shape, size, and proportion of the mantis can contribute to its aesthetic appeal. Some mantis species have distinctive bodies or features, such as elongated limbs, unique wings, or unusual head shapes.
Pattern and markings
Many praying mantises have intricate patterns and markings on their bodies, which can contribute to their appeal. These patterns may be bold, bright, or subtle, adding visual interest to the mantis's overall appearance.
Adaptations and camouflage
Some species have developed fascinating adaptations and camouflage techniques that can be quite striking. For example, some mantises mimic leaves or flowers, contributing to their beauty.
Posture and movement
The way a praying mantis carries itself and its fluid, graceful movements can play a role in its attractiveness. A mantis that moves elegantly and displays unique postures may be considered more beautiful.
Eye color and appearance
The eyes of a praying mantis are often quite large and can be varying colors. A mantis with stunning eye color and size may be perceived as particularly attractive.
Rarity or uniqueness
A species that is rare or has unique characteristics may be considered more beautiful because it is less commonly seen and holds a certain intrigue.
