36 TRUE TALES OF THE INSECTS. 



calls Alluring Colouration, and they constitute some of 

 the most curious and interesting forms of aggressive 

 resemblance. 



One of the most beautiful and remarkable examples is 

 that of a wingless Indian mantis (Hymenopus bicornis\ 

 of great rarity, which, both in colour and form, resembles 

 an orchid, or some similarly fantastic flower. The whole 

 insect is brilliantly pink. Its large and oval abdomen 

 represents the labellum of an orchid, and the thighs of 

 the four posterior legs are immensely dilated and flattened 

 into broad, pear-shaped plates, the apparent petals of a 

 blossom ; so that when seated motionless, as is its wont, 

 amid bright green foliage, with thorax and abdomen 

 raised at right angles to one another, with the forelegs 

 drawn out of sight under the thorax, and the four ex- 

 panded thighs of the other legs spread out two on each 

 side, it is conspicuous, of course, but presents a complete 

 and deceptive imitation of a gay-hued flower. Here 

 colour, form, and attitude all conspire, in an inimitable 

 manner, to produce the resemblance. Of the meaning 

 of the resemblance there can be no doubt. Insects seem 

 attracted to the mantis, as insects to flowers ; they settle 

 upon it, and are instantly captured. 



A very similar species, which, when at rest, lying in 

 wait for its prey, exactly resembles a pink orchid, inhabits 

 Java. This mantis is said to feed especially on butter- 

 flies, so that by its imitation of a flower, the insect it feeds 



