Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)

What Is An Orchid Mantis?

The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is a praying mantis that is native to tropical forests in Southeast Asia.

They are a part of the Hymenopodidae family and are also known as “flower mantises” or “orchid mantises” due to their striking resemblance to orchids.

With long, slim limbs and intricate patterns of white, pink, and green, they are beloved companions throughout the world.

The scientific name for the Orchid Mantis, “Hymenopus coronatus,” is derived from the Greek words for “membrane” and “crowned” which refers to the distinctive crown-like shape of the insect’s body.

What Does Orchid Mantis Look Like?

Hymenopus coronatus is one of the most spectacular species of mantis with its delicate orchid pattern.

The species grows to be around 2.5 inches long with remarkably long legs that allow it to reach its full height.

Its aerial perspective makes it appear much more like an orchid flower than a predatory insect.

Its diamond-shaped head houses two large eyes and a plethora of intricate features that would often go unnoticed by the naked eye.

The Orchid Mantis is famed for its vibrant coloring, being mostly light pink or white in hue with splashes of emerald green and bold black stripes.

Its coloring is so masterfully camouflaged that it almost perfectly blends with its surrounding environment.

Benefits Of Using Orchid Mantis

Having a Hymenopus coronatus in your terrarium provides numerous benefits.

First, Orchid mantises add an exotic and beautiful element to your enclosure.

Their bright coloration gives the facility a bold and unique look, sure to impress your guests.

Secondly, these mantises can help to keep insect pests at bay – their predatory habits mean that they feed primarily on other insects such as flies.

As a result, you can be sure that their presence will help to keep your tank clean and healthy.

Finally, they are incredibly interesting to watch!

These mantises are a playful species and will often display fascinating behaviors such as head-bobbing, tail twitching, and leg-waving.

All of these behaviors can be intriguing to observe, providing hours of entertainment.

With its stunning looks, pest control services, and fascinating behavior, the Orchid Mantis is the perfect addition to any vivarium.

Orchid Mantis Facts

Orchid mantises are arboreal insects native to Southeast Asia that display beautiful colors resembling a flower.

With a lifespan of about 6 months, they are typically calm with light handling but can become defensive if threatened or over-stressed.

They feed mainly on small live insects, and breeding is best done in humid terrariums with plenty of small sticks and bushes for them to hide and lay eggs on.

Habitat

Hymenopus coronatus is a species very similar to the stick insect native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The Orchid Mantis’s natural habitat consists mainly of low-lying rainforests, where they have adapted to camouflage themselves among orchids and other vegetation.

They’re nighttime creatures and have evolved to hunt while the sun is down, using their raptorial forelegs to capture prey.

Diet

Hymenopus coronatus is an insect that lives and thrives in tropical environments.

In their natural habitat, these colorful creatures feed mostly on other insects – particularly small flying insects such as moths, fruit flies, crickets, and bees.

As long as they get the right type of food, they are sure to survive and thrive!

In some cases, Orchid Mantis will even feed on bees that are attracted to the flower-like appearance of their own body!

Throughout the day, H. coronatus will feed on various insects flying near them, rarely even looking for other food sources.

They will usually remain motionless on flowers, waiting for their prey to arrive.

Once an unsuspecting insect comes close enough, they strike with impressive speed and accuracy, snatching it up.

While they mostly rely on small insect prey, it is not uncommon to see them feed on larger insects, such as butterflies or dragonflies.

Other food sources include mites, spiders, other mantises, and even small frogs.

On rare occasions, they will even feed on scavenged carcasses or dead insects they find on the ground.

Temperament

Hymenopus coronatus is not aggressive by nature, so it typically will not be a danger to humans or other animals.

Instead, they are rather shy and prefer to be left alone.

When approached by predators in the wild, they typically rely on their camouflage to blend in with their surrounding environment.

In captivity, they will often go into hiding when humans or other animals are nearby, and will more likely flee than fight in encounters with other animals.

Generally, they seem to be more docile creatures when housed in a proper environment.

Lifespan

The lifespan of Orchid Mantises can range between 6 months to one year, depending on their environment and available resources.

They typically go through several different stages in their lifetime, which are egg, nymph, adult, respiration, and death. 

The eggs are usually laid in clusters on leaves, and they hatch into larvae.

At the larval stage, the mantis will grow to several times its original size, and they will molt multiple times as they continue to reach full adult size.

After the mantis has reached its full-grown size, it will usually reach sexual maturity within a few months.

The mating process is usually done during the evening when temperatures are low.

Breeding

The reproductive process of Orchid mantises begins with courtship, where the male taps the female’s abdomen with his antennae, followed by dancing and waving of their antennae in tandem.

When the female participates in the dance, it is a sign that she is receptive and willing to mate.

The male then wraps his abdomen around the female’s and the two will become fused.

At this point, the female will begin laying her eggs, which the male will then fertilize.

The eggs will then be dispersed in various locations around the habitat.

Once the eggs are laid, they will take between 3-4 weeks to mature and hatch.

Orchid mantis nymphs can take care of themselves once they have hatched and the parents will not stay around to care for the offspring.

After they hatch, nymphs will go through 5 to 6 molting stages before they become full-grown adults.

Through each of these stages, the mantis will molt and grow bigger until it has become an adult.

During each of these molting stages, it is important to ensure that the habitat has the appropriate amount of humidity and temperature for the mantis to successfully molt.

Where To Find Orchid Mantis

If you’re looking to purchase an Orchid Mantis, there are countless vendors available both online and in physical stores.

When selecting the insects, you should always search for captive-bred Orchid Mantes as they tend to be healthier than wild-captured specimens.

Additionally, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of illness or injury in the animals, and always source from a reputable vendor.

Hymenopus coronatus can also be found in the wild, although it is not recommended to collect one from nature.

These incredible creatures are endangered in many parts of the world and can easily become stressed when taken from their natural environment.

If you choose to find one in the wild, always ensure that capture and release techniques are used to avoid any harm to the species.