The scientific name for this mantis is Idolomantis diabolica – inspiring a sense of dread in those who ... In one instar, they are white with purple and green accents, resembling a blooming flower. In ...

For decades, scientists assumed the orchid mantis mimicked the orchid flower as a form of camouflage to protect itself from predators. Turns out that wasn't quite the case. Superstar/Shutterstock ...

If not cryptic mimicry, why did the orchid mantis behavior evolve this way? By evolving to be larger and more flower-like, female mantises increase their chances to catch insect prey. It's called ...