Individual holding a stunning pink and white orchid mantis in their hand.
The smartphone video captured in the Ning’er Hani and Yi Autonomous County, located in China’s south-western Yunnan Province, showcases the vibrant insect gracefully moving on the person’s palm.
Resembling a delicate flower with its intricate features, the insect also known as the walking flower mantis, can be seen shifting across the person’s hand, thus captivating the viewer’s attention with its movements.
The individual who captured the video, name not disclosed, said: “Seeing it for the first time, nature is really amazing.”
The clip reached more than 143,000 likes and over 268,000 shares after it was shared on China’s version of TikTok, Douyin. It left netizens unable to hold back from commenting.
Douyin user ‘TKL~Liu Shiqi waiting in the wind.’ said: “Are orchid mantises rare?”
Then user ‘Xiaohe’s ordinary life’ commented: “This mantis is so beautiful.”
And ‘Yan’ added: “So lovely.”
Native to south-eastern Asia, the orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is particularly known for its remarkable camouflage ability, which enables it to blend into floral environments, resembling blossoms or petals.
Despite its floral appearance, the species is a carnivorous predator and relies on its camouflage and agility to hunt flies, moths and other small insects.
Its toxins are not poisonous to humans.
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Story By: Georgina Jedikovska, Sub-Editor: Simona Kitanovska, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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