Close-up of beautiful assassins

The thorny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) is one of the many colorful and beautiful mantis species, but they are also extremely fast assassins.

>>>'Flowers' eat bloodthirsty meat in Vietnam

Picture 1 of 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)

Picture 2 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
This species lives mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Picture 3 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
They are one of the killer mantis species, with lightning-fast reflexes.

Picture 4 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
They are 'lazy' predators when just waiting for their prey to fall into sight, instead of searching for prey.

Picture 5 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
Hemp flowers are only 3-5cm long, so their food is only butterflies and flies. (Photo: Adegoor)

Picture 6 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
This species does not survive in too wet environments because it is easily poisoned.

Picture 7 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
Females of this species are usually larger than males.

Picture 8 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
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).

Picture 9 of Close-up of beautiful assassins
The male's beard is longer and thicker than the female's.