Creobroter
Creobroter is a genus of flower mantises in the tribe Hymenopodini; species are concentrated in Asia. The name comes from the Greek "kreo-", meaning "flesh") and "broter"" meaning "eating", therefore, "flesh-eating", an apt name for a predatory insect. Both sexes have long wings and are capable fliers. Full-grown males are about 3 to 4 cm in length; females are about 4 to 5 cm. Camouflage and mimicry. As the common name indicates, "Creobroter" spp. are known for having varicolored (yellow, white, red, brown, etc.) markings, which serve as camouflage by hiding the creatures' actual shape and making  them look somewhat like flowers when hiding amidst green foliage. The resemblance to flowers may be greater in subadults of "Creobroter" than adults. This flower mimicry is only partial, but is attractive enough to make "Creobroter" species favored as pets, especially as they are more common and less delicate than the more flower-like "Hymenopus". In some species (such as "C. gemmatus"), these markings also serve as eyespots when the mantis spreads its wings in a deimatic display. Rather than resembling foliage or flowers, some species of "Creobroter" resemble ants during their early nymph stages. Ant mimicry is a useful  defense against predation for the young, as most ants are relatively unpalatable and aggressive, making insect predators that rely on vision to identify their prey, such as birds and wasps, avoid them. Around their third ecdysis, "Creobroter" spp. trade their ant-mimicking, dark, shiny appearance for the green and light-colored markings that make their outline so difficult to discern amidst vegetation. Species. No consistency is seen for the use of English common names for these species. For example, at least two "Creobroter" species found in India have been called "Indian flower mantis". Conversely, a "Creobroter" sp. collected in Thailand  might be displayed in a collection as a "Thai flower mantis", while the same species collected elsewhere might be called a "Malaysian flower mantis". The following species of "Creobroter" are described (subject to review):