Orchid-like insect uses petal-shaped legs to glide

The orchid mantis, Hymenopus coronatus, is well-known for its specialized shape and color — like a pinkish white orchid flower — and has long been considered a fine example of floral mimicry.

While some research had already confirmed that the masquerade helps the mantis attract prey, the function of its petal-shaped legs — actually two pairs of petal-like extensions on its middle and hind legs — remained uncertain.

The mystery has now been solved by a research team led by Chen Zhanqi, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, that found the mantis can use its petal-shaped legs for gliding.