Hymenopus coronatus nymph
Artist: Igor Siwanowicz;
Exposure Date: 2010:09:14 21:06:41;
ImageDescription: A hatchling (second instar nymph) of an Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) devouring a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). This praying mantis from Thailand hides between flowers and later stages (instars) disguise as one of them, waiting for bees and other flying insects.First instar Orchid Mantis nymphs are glossy red and black and resemble ants; it is an example of myrmecomorphy. It is protective mimicry - predators that rely on vision to identify their prey such as birds and wasps normally avoid ants.This species is able to change color depending on the surroundings; it can become greenish, yellow, pure white or purple to better blend in with the flowers within its hunting territory. The change of the color isn’t instantaneous; it usually takes days to weeks, and the insect must be still growing.;
Make: Canon;
Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II;
ExposureTime: 1/100 s;
FNumber: f/8;
ISOSpeedRatings: 250;
ExposureBiasValue: 0/1;
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode;
FocalLength: 65 mm;
Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1 Windows;