Close-up of beautiful assassins

The thorny flower mantis is usually white with yellow and green strips. As adults, they produce colored patches that shape like yellow eyes. (Photo: alexhyde.photoshelter)

This species lives mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

They are one of the killer mantis species, with lightning-fast reflexes.

They are 'lazy' predators when just waiting for their prey to fall into sight, instead of searching for prey.

Hemp flowers are only 3-5cm long, so their food is only butterflies and flies. (Photo: Adegoor)

This species does not survive in too wet environments because it is easily poisoned.

Females of this species are usually larger than males.

You can identify adult males and females based on comparing the length of the wings. (The female's wings only reach to the abdomen, while the male's body is too long).

The male's beard is longer and thicker than the female's.