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Spiny flower mantis

Spiny flower mantis

Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi

A species of Pseudocreobotra, Also known as Bulls-eye mantis

Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi, or spiny flower mantis, is a small Flower Mantis (4 cm) native to southern and eastern Africa.

General Info About Spiny flower mantis
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Attributes of Spiny flower mantis
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
White
Pink
Habitat
heavy foilage
Adult Food Sources
Flies, moths, larger crickets, beetles, caterpillars
Larva Food Source
Fruit flies, small insects, tiny arthropods, aphids, newly hatched crickets
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Spiny flower mantis is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Spiny flower mantis
It is native to southern and eastern Africa.
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Distribution Area of Spiny flower mantis
Southern and eastern Africa
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Appearance of Spiny flower mantis
The adult has spiny structures on the underside of its abdomen, giving it its name. It is variable in colour, being typically greenish, but it can equally be yellowish, pinkish, or reddish. It has a striking spiral "9" mark on its forewings providing a conspicuous eyespot in black, green and cream surrounded by a green patch. The hind wings are orange on the inner part and transparent on the outer part. Nymphs start out black, similar to ants

How to Identify Spiny flower mantis?

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Life Cycle of Spiny flower mantis
Egg The embryonic spiny flower mantis develops inside the egg, which is often oval and initially the color may blend with the surroundings to provide camouflage. The size is tiny, and no legs or wings are visible.
Nymph Upon hatching, the nymph stages begin. Early instars resemble miniature adult spiny flower mantis, lacking fully developed wings. They exhibit gradual changes in size, color, and form with each molt, steadily approaching adult appearance.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult spiny flower mantis displays fully developed wings and functional reproductive organs. The size is now larger, with coloration often more vivid, and the body adapted for mating and predation.
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Adult Size of Spiny flower mantis
4 cm
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Predators of Spiny flower mantis Larvae
Birds, rodents, larger insects, spiders, reptiles
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Predators of Adult Spiny flower mantis
Birds, rodents, larger insects, spiders, reptiles, bats
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Scientific Classification of Spiny flower mantis
Tips for Finding Spiny flower mantis
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How Can You Attract Spiny flower mantis
For adult spiny flower mantis, traps with live prey such as small insects or a sweet substance might be used as bait.
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Habitat Preferences of Spiny flower mantis Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of spiny flower mantis are typically laid inside an ootheca that is attached to a well-hidden substrate like tree bark or under leaves. Nymphs upon hatching, remain nearby the ootheca but as they grow, they seek out foliage with ample insect prey, which is where they spend most of their time. Adults of spiny flower mantis, being larger and more mobile, can be spotted on various plants and flowers, commonly where they can ambush prey. To locate these insects at different stages, one would search crevices or sheltered spots for oothecae, visually inspect leaves and stems for camouflaged nymphs, and closely examine flowering plants where the stealthy adults wait for unsuspecting prey.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Spiny flower mantis
The best time to find adult spiny flower mantis is usually at dawn or dusk, when they are most active. For younger stages, daytime searches might be more fruitful.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Spiny flower mantis
Sunny and warm weather is preferable for finding spiny flower mantis as they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources for energy.
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How and Where Can You Find Spiny flower mantis at Different Life Stages
Egg Egg cases of spiny flower mantis or oothecae can be found attached to vegetation or structures in the habitat. To find them, inspect the undersides of leaves, branches, and within crevices for their distinctive elongated or rounded shapes.
Nymph Spiny flower mantis nymphs are smaller and often found near the ground in dense foliage or among leaf litter. Look for them by sifting through leaf litter or inspecting low-lying vegetation in shrubby areas.
Adult Subadult spiny flower mantis may be found on the stems and leaves of plants, as they need to be elevated to molt successfully. Search the middle heights of plants, paying attention to the undersides of leaves and junctions of branches.
Adult spiny flower mantis can often be found perching on the upper sections of plants to hunt, as they are predators. To find them, inspect the upper branches and leaves of shrubs and trees during their active times at dawn or dusk.
Are Spiny flower mantis harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Spiny flower mantis
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Nymphs
Diets
Aphids, Caterpillars, Flies
Spiny flower mantis is a fascinating predator that strikes with precision. This insect's preying behavior includes not only ambushing its prey but also using its camouflaged body to blend into its surroundings. Remarkably, spiny flower mantis can also turn its head 180 degrees to scope its terrain, making it a highly effective hunter of pests like aphids and caterpillars.
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