Hymenopodidae

Definition

A family of mantises (order Mantodea) comprising roughly 200 species in six subfamilies, notable for the flower mantises—species that exhibit aggressive mimicry by resembling blossoms to ambush pollinating prey.

Etymology

From Greek hymen (membrane, veil) + pod (foot), alluding to the membranous or delicate structure of the raptorial forelegs.

Example

The orchid mantis Hymenopus coronatus (subfamily Hymenopodinae) attracts bees and butterflies by presenting a convincing floral silhouette, striking only when the prey enters capture range.

Related Terms

• Mantodea
• Mantidae
• Aggressive mimicry
• flower mantis
• raptorial foreleg

Usage Notes

Sometimes called 'flower mantis family' in informal contexts, though this conflates the entire family with its most famous members; not all Hymenopodidae are floral mimics. Distinguished from Mantidae by more elaborate pronotal extensions and often more specialized leg lobes used in crypsis.