Thornate Mantis

What a thorn in my mantis!

The Thornate Mantis is a medium-sized arboreal mantis species known for its beauty and efficiency. Its wings resemble the outstretched wings of a songbird, commonly patterned in soft pinks, reds, and golds. This rare insect is known for mimicking roses and the rose’s thorns depending on the season. When still, it is easily mistaken for a curled flower.

Its’ long forelimbs are lined with barbed protrusions, resembling thorns. But its most distinctive feature is its antler-like antennae compared to most other mantis’ single lobed antennae. The thornate mantis’ flat abdomen is capable of curling vertically to help in its floral disguise.

Thornates are apex ambush predators in the flowering canopies of Atalav. They prey primarily on hummingbirds and pollinating mice(Species TBA), using stillness paired with quick leaps to close the distance. They perch motionless for hours, wings flattened, posing like a bloom amongst the foliage. When prey comes to inspect this faux flower, the Thornate strikes with blinding speed and impaling the victims with its forelimbs.

They play a crucial role in regulating over-pollination, allowing flowers a moment of rest in the endless cycle. Thornate Mantis’ presence often signals a mature, unspoiled forest with a dense underlayer of nectar life.

Thornates are solitary and territorial. They maintain vertical hunting grounds within flowering foliage. Plants with the biggest and smelliest blooms are hot territory ripe with fighting. While not social, they engage in striking mating rituals where both sexes flash their wings in rhythmic “flower-duels,” displaying color and motion meant to overwhelm and entice. The sound of their wings and limbs flapping resembles that of a flock of birds leaving frantically. So what may sound like a concerning scurry could very well be some frisky mantises!

In Atalavian folklore, the thornate mantis is revered as a silent guardian who prunes excess from the world. Those suffering from addictions and greeds may be implored to find and revere these insects for the lessons they can teach. Farmers are known to hang carved Thornate silhouettes in flowering groves to ward off pests- a sign of balance through calculated violence.

Concept by Becomelost, Rendering by Necrologia, Info by Deertush.

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