Flower Mantis

flower_mantis_sm.jpg: Flower mantis
Range: Western Africa
Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Conservation Status: Not listed by IUCN
Scientific Name: Pseudocreobotra ocellata

This mantid's name comes from its habit of hiding between the petals of flowers while waiting for a meal to come to it. It is not a wilting wallflower, however. It will readily tackle dangerous prey much larger than itself, like wasps and hoverflies.