American spiny flower mantis (SciiFii)

The American spiny flower mantis (Allocreobotra squinado) is a species of mantis, most closely related to the African mantises of the genus Pseudocreobotra, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America and South America to help boost biodiversity. The American spiny flower mantis is a small flower mantis, growing to be about 40 millimetres (1 and a half inches) long. The adult has spiny structures on the underside of its abdomen, giving it its name. It is variable in colour, being typically light green, but it can equally be tinted yellow, pink, or red. It has a large eyespot on its forewings, which is black, green and cream and is surrounded by a green patch. The inner hind wings are orange and the outer hind wings are transparent. Nymphs are black until the third instar. The American spiny flower mantis exhibits sexual dimorphism. Females have small spines towards the base of their wings and six to seven segments on their abdomen. Females also tend to have slightly shorter antennae, longer wings, and take seven moults to reach maturity. On the other hand, males lack the spines found near females' wings, have eight abdominal segments, shorter wings, longer antennae and require six moults to reach maturity. The American spiny flower mantis has a deimatic display in which it spreads its forewings, making itself appear larger and prominently displaying its eyespots to startle would-be predators. While at rest it is well camouflaged, and is a sufficiently good aggressive mimic of a flower that prey insects can attempt to pollinate it, at which moment the mantis seizes and eats them. They prefer to prey on flying insects and spiders, but if unavailable, will eat virtually any insect. American spiny flower mantises prefer flying insects throughout their entire lifecycle. L1 through L2 nymphs may be fed with small fruit flies, L3 and L4 nymphs may be fed with medium-sized fruit flies and the L5 nymph to adult may be fed houseflies or bluebottle flies. These mantises have strong forearms, and a big appetite while they are growing up, and therefore can handle rather large prey compared to their body sizes. They will not chase after food though, as they are not a very active species. Instead, they prefer to remain completely still, disguised as part of the environment, waiting to strike when an unsuspecting insect walks by. Like with many mantis species, the American spiny flower mantis females practice sexual cannibalism; however, nymphs are not cannibalistic until their fourth instar. The conservation status of the American spiny flower mantis is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American spiny flower mantis's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii