Devil's flower mantis

Description

Idolomantis diabolica is a species of Mantodea first described by Henri Saussure hadton 1869. Idolomantis diabolica belongs to the genus Idolomantis, and the family Empusidae. None of these subspecies are listed. Idolomantis is a genus of praying mantises in the family Empusidae. It is represented by a single species, Idolomantis diabolica, commonly known as the devil's flower mantis or giant devil's flower mantis. It is one of the largest species of praying mantises, and is possibly the largest that mimics flowers. Idolomantis diabolica is a large mantis of the family Empusidae. Females grow to be about 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and males to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Uganda. Its threat display is magnificently colored, with red, white, blue, purple, and black. The basic anatomical structure of I. diabolica is similar to most species of the order Mantodea, but the morphology of each species varies according to its native habitat, and this species is modified somewhat to enhance its floral mimicry. The head of I. diabolica contains three vital components: compound eyes, antennae, and mandibles. The compound eyes, composed of thousands of individual photoreceptor cells, enable good eyesight. The arrangement of photoreceptor units, for instance, allows the insect to capture a perceptual span of 180°. This allows I. diabolica to identify prey and predators without increasing its vulnerability by spoiling its camouflage. The antennae, a pair of long and thin bristles, serve as the insect's sensory perception. Projecting outwards, the antennae can detect much in the surrounding environment such as chemicals, movement, and odors. The male antennae are more developed than those of the females and are feather-like. This allows them to track down females by detecting the pheromones released by the females. These pheromones notify the males that the females are ready to reproduce. The mandibles can be used to "tear, puncture, or grind" food. The thorax constitutes a large portion of the insect's body. As in all insects, it is composed of three segments: the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax. Each section "contains one pair of legs, however, the wings are found only on the mesothoracic and metathoracic segments." Reproductive organs, respiratory organs, and other organ systems occupy the abdominal region of the insect.