Watch a pink orchid flower suddenly spring into action and catch a meal in this incredible video captured by Alfred Russell Wallace. Seen in its native Malaysian rainforest habitat, the pink orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is just one of many species of preying mantis that camouflage themselves as flowers.
Their four walking legs look like flower petals. The illusion is so complete that when it’s perched on an actual orchid branch, it’s extremely difficult to tell the difference between the insect and the flower.
Blending in as a flower doesn’t just protect this mantis from predators; it helps it turn itself into a decoy for prey. The swaying movement seen in the video, paired with a small black spot on the end of its abdomen that resembles a fly, draws actual flies in to land upon its body.
When they do, the mantis reaches out with its serrated front claws to seize and eat them. Read about 10 more amazing pink animals.

