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''Creobroter'' or flower mantises is a genus of mantis concentrated in Western Asia. The name comes from the Greek "''kreas''" (combining form "''kreo-''", meaning "flesh"), and "''broter''" (eating); therefore, "flesh-eating", an apt name for a predatory insect. Both sexes have long wings and are capable fliers. Full-grown males are about 3 to 4 cm in length, females about 4 to 5 cm.〔 (【引用サイトリンク】 publisher =Mantisinc )〕〔 (【引用サイトリンク】 publisher =Mantis Online )〕 ==Camouflage and mimicry== As the common name indicates, ''Creobroter'' are known for having varicolored (yellow, white, red, brown, etc.) markings which serve as camouflage by hiding the creatures' actual shape and making them look somewhat like flowers when hiding amidst green foliage.〔〔(【引用サイトリンク】 publisher =Them Bugs )〕 The resemblance to flowers may be greater in sub-adult ''Creobroter'' than those that are fully grown. This flower-mimicry is only partial, but is attractive enough to make ''Creobroter'' favored as pets, especially as ''Creobroter'' species are more common and less delicate than the more flower-like ''Hymenopus''.〔〔〔(【引用サイトリンク】 publisher =Central Pets.com )〕 In some ''Creobroter'' (such as ''C. gemmatus'') these markings also serve as eyespots when the mantis spreads its wings in a deimatic display.〔 This (Thembugs.com: image ).〕 Rather than resembling foliage or flowers, some species of ''Creobroter'' resemble ants during the their early nymph stages. Ant mimicry is a useful defense against predation for the young ''Creobroter'', as most ants are relatively unpalatable and aggressive making insect predators that rely on vision to identify their prey, such as birds and wasps, avoid them.〔 Around their third ecdysis, ''Creobroter'' trade their ant-mimicking dark, shiny appearance for the green and light-colored markings that make their outline so difficult to discern amidst vegetation.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Creobroter」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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