One of the most magical things about nature is how it blurs the lines between different forms of life. Sometimes, totally unrelated species look so alike it’s hard to tell them apart. A perfect example? Mantises and the plants they live among. Whether it’s clever camouflage or a happy accident, these visual twins remind me how creative and surprising evolution can be.
I’ve gathered some of the most striking comparisons between mantises and flowers that show off this beautiful mimicry. Take a look and see how these insects almost seem tailor-made to blend into their floral surroundings.
Slide 1: Conehead Mantis (Empusa pennata) & Pink Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
The graceful, elongated shapes of both the mantis and the calla lily make them look like distant relatives, sharing delicate curves and elegance.
Slide 2: Devil Flower Mantis & Spider Orchid
Both the mantis and the orchid rely on muted tones and intricate details to vanish into their environment. Their cryptic beauty is a true wonder of nature’s design.
Slide 3: Young Orchid Mantis & Salvia gesneriiflora
This striking red-and-black duo proves how powerful color can be — whether to hide in plain sight or send a clear message in their lush habitats.
Slide 4: Spiny Flower Mantis & Polianthes 'The Pearl'
Look closely and you’ll see the mantis’ textured patterns echo the soft, glowing white petals of this stunning bloom. It’s like nature’s own work of art.
Slide 5: Purple Spiny Flower Mantis & Centaurea 'Mauve Cornflower'
A shared palette of purple tones brings these two together in perfect harmony — proof that color knows no species boundaries.
Slide 6: Green Praying Mantis & Giant Rainforest Mantis vs. Venus Flytrap
Here, master hunters meet the ultimate carnivorous plant. Both rely on stealth and precision — a fascinating parallel between animal and plant worlds.
Slide 7: Dendrophylax lindenii (Ghost Orchid) & White Orchid Mantis
Ethereal, elusive, and almost ghost-like, these two are masters of disguise in their own right, perfectly blending into their mysterious surroundings.
Slide 8: Empusa fasciata & Crupina mediterranea
This magenta and green pair disappears seamlessly into their environment — a stunning example of how form and color come together to avoid detection.
Why I Love These Natural Parallels
Seeing these incredible look-alikes always inspires me. They’re a beautiful reminder that life, no matter how different, often shares surprising connections. For those of us inspired by nature — whether as artists, designers, or simply admirers — these mantis-plant duos open up a world of ideas and stories waiting to be told.
Inspired by the delicate beauty of the orchid mantis?
I created the Mantis Jewelry Collection to capture that same graceful elegance and intricate detail. Each piece—from pendants to rings and bracelets—is thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique patterns and colors of these incredible insects. If you love nature’s artistry as much as I do, I think you’ll really connect with this collection.