20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Life is like a flower

The limbs of the orchid mantis evolved a structure and color similar to petals. The orchid mantis has the most perfect camouflage, and can adjust its body color according to the depth of the pattern. The orchid mantis mimics itself in the orchid without being detected by its prey. It is ready to prey on ants under orchids.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Xishuangbanna, China
Camera: NIKON D500
Copyright: © Yuan Minghui