The diminutive African tropical mantis is scientifically referred to as Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, although it’s better known as the “spiny flower mantis” due to its vibrant and captivating appearance. When facing danger, this mantis assumes a defensive posture by raising its head, prothorax, forelegs, and forewings, revealing ocellar spots that resemble the numerals 6 or 9.
The Spiny Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii Stl, 1871) is a species of Mantodea that, in its vivid coloring, bears a resemblance to the Asian Creobroter species described by Westwood in 1889. This order, believed to be closely related to Blattaria and Isoptera, shares characteristics such as asymmetry in the male reproductive system and the reduction of the ovipositor. This subgroup of insects, Polineotteri, is characterized by the many veins in the wings, which can be compared to fishing nets with a reticulum of secondary alar veins resembling the old Greek letter “ν” (dictyo).
The term “Mantodea,” which means prophet, alludes to the reclining position these insects adopt when at rest, with their powerful, raptorial forelegs folded in what appears to be a mystical stance. In reality, they are formidable carnivores that ambush their prey.
The generic name “Pseudo,” meaning false or similar, combined with “Creobotra,” derived from the words “Kreas” (flesh) and “Broter,” signifying to eat or consume, results in the term “carnivore.” This suggests it is an imitation of Creobroter. Although the specific name “wahlbergii” or “Wahlberg” in Latin is in honor of the Swedish explorer and scientist Johan August Wahlberg (1810–1856), it is not a member of that genus.
Mantodea comprises over 2400 terrestrial species ranging in size from 2.5 to 16 cm. Many exotic species exhibit vibrant colors that emphasize their intimidating posture, which they adopt to deter competitors. The body is often uniformly colored and elongated. The head is small and mobile, with three ocelli and well-developed compound eyes. The antennae are relatively long and filiform. The mouthparts are masticatory, and the mandibles are short, sturdy, and slightly asymmetrical.
The first thoracic segment is longer than the remaining segments and may be slender or laterally expanded depending on the species. The forewings are smaller and more sclerotized than the hindwings, which are reduced in certain species. The two terminal cerci, which are flattened and wide on the abdomen, are used by females to create oothecas. Male copulatory anatomy exhibits asymmetries. Most species, distributed across warm and temperate zones, are active during the day, although some are attracted to lights at night.
Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, and its congener Pseudocreobotra ocellata, are native to southern and eastern Africa and are relatively common in these regions. Due to their ease of maintenance in terrariums, they are traded in many countries for amateur enthusiasts.
