Orchid Mantis

Hymenopus coronatus (Olivier, 1792) belongs to Hymenopodidae in Mantodea. It is one of the flower-associated mantises with strongly enlarged, petal-like lobes on the middle and hind legs. [3]

The principal body surfaces are pale, often white, with variable pink tones. Juvenile females have a thin green band across the prothorax and reddish-brown stripes along the upper abdomen. Spectral measurements show that the white cuticle absorbs ultraviolet light. [1]

Adult females are much larger and more robust than males, and the sexes differ in the relative size of their expanded leg lobes. The juvenile female’s abdomen remains exposed; the adult’s wings cover it. [3][1]

The species occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, including forested habitat at Ulu Gombak. Juveniles occupy green vegetation as well as sites near flowers. [2][3]

The mantis is a predator of other insects. Bees formed most of the visitors in the Malaysian trials, while flies and butterflies also approached. Several visitors came within striking range and were captured. [2]

Juvenile females presented against green vegetation attracted more pollinator inspections than either an Asystasia flower or a bare-stick control in the 2011 field trials. Attraction occurred with the mantises isolated from flowers, demonstrating that the insect itself supplied the lure. [2]

Models of bee colour vision placed the mantis’s pale colour within the range of several local flower species. [2]

A 2016 phylogenetic analysis associated extreme sexual size dimorphism with increased female size. The authors proposed that access to large pollinating prey helped shape the larger female form. [3]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.