A Predator in Petal's Clothing
In the humid rainforests of Malaysia, the orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is a lethal predator. This insect uses aggressive mimicry, a strategy where a predator imitates a harmless species or object to lure prey. Its four walking legs are flattened with lobes that look like flower petals, and its body is pink and white, a color scheme that can change to match its background. Field studies confirm this deception is remarkably effective. A solitary orchid mantis attracts more pollinators, such as bees and flies, than many actual flowers in its vicinity.
The mantis's allure is so powerful because it is a supernormal stimulus. It mimics no specific flower, but instead presents a generalized, irresistible collection of floral cues. Spectrometer analysis shows that the mantis's color is indistinguishable from local flowers from the perspective of a hymenopteran pollinator's vision. This visual trickery is so complete that the mantis can hunt successfully even when sitting on green leaves, far from any real blossom. Some research also suggests juvenile mantises employ chemical mimicry, emitting compounds like 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid (3HOA) to attract honeybees.