Hot in science: Floral-looking predators, fossil findings and supersized brains

Obvious predator: The orchid mantis has evolved to look like a flower and its colour can trick its prey into approaching in the belief that it contains nectar. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Luc Viatour

Predator has evolved to look like a flower and sits on leaves to lure its nectar-seeking quarry.

Scientists have discovered how the orchid mantis – native to Malaysia and Indonesia – lures its prey. Unlike other predators that mimic flowers and hide among them, the orchid mantis doesn’t imitate or hide, the team at Macquarie University reveals. Instead, it has evolved to look like a flower and sits on leaves.