Learning 2026

A variety of factoids on subjects I am interested in!

Spiny Flower Mantis

• Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii

• A species of mantis known for its distinctive spiny appearance and flower-like coloration, which acts as camouflage to evade predators. Considerably smaller than some of it’s counterparts.

• Hailing from sub-Saharan Africa, this mantis is known for blending in with it’s local flora.

Devil's Flower Mantis

• A striking mantis species known for its unique floral mimicry, enhancing its camouflage in its natural habitat.

• Idolomantis diabolica

• Adult females, larger than males, can be five inches long, making it one of the largest types of mantis varieties.

• A defining characteristic is its defensive display, in which it raises its forelegs to reveal a stark black-and-white underside and appears larger than it truly is.

Ghost Mantis

• Phyllocrania paradoxa

• An African mantis species remarkable for its leaflike body. It even has pigment variations that resemble the veins of a leaf, perfecting its disguise against birds and other would-be predators.

• The mantis can change its color after a few molts if it moves from a brown environment to a green one, and vice versa.

• It's considered a miniature species, rarely growing more than two inches long.

Conehead Mantis

• A mantis species recognized for its elongated head shape, resembling a cone.

• Known for its impressive camouflage and ability to mimic the appearance of twigs and leaves in its habitat.

• It can grow to over four inches and is a prodigious predator capable of taking down prey its size.

Malaysian Orchid Mantis

• Hymenopus coronatus

• A visually striking mantis species known for its orchid-like appearance, enhancing its disguise among flowers. Its long limbs and flattened body mimic the shape and colors of orchid petals, making it a master of camouflage in its tropical habitat.

• This mantis can grow up to three inches long and is predominantly found in Southeast Asia, where it blends seamlessly with its surroundings to ambush prey.

Shield Mantis

• Choeradodis rhombicollis

• is a species of mantis known for its incredible camouflage that resembles leaves or twigs, making it an effective predator.

• Unlike some species, the shield mantis doesn't devote its entire body to the disguise. Instead, its upper leafy look hides an ordinary undercarriage

• can also vibrate and shake its body to replicate a leaf moving in the wind.

• This large mantis adopts a "sit and wait" hunting tactic and can feed on prey as large as lizards and hummingbirds. 

Dead Leaf Mantis

• Dettamantis tenuior

• A species of mantis that effectively resembles dead leaves, providing excellent camouflage among its surroundings.

• It's also unique in that it displays sexual dimorphism—where the males and females of the species look different—to a greater extent than other types of praying mantises.

• Smaller males have a flattened thorax and resemble a flat leaf.

• Larger females look like a curled leaf, and flash prominent orange warning colors under their unusable wings. 

Dragon Mantis

Stenophylla cornigera

• A species of mantis known for its striking appearance, characterized by elongated, horn-like projections on its head and vibrant coloration.

• Dragon mantises are skilled hunters, utilizing their swift movements and strong claws to capture prey.

• This nocturnal species navigates by moonlight.

Outer layer of a tree trunk

the bark, which protects the tree from environmental factors and pests.

Cambium

The cambium is a thin layer of actively dividing cells in a plant located between the bark and the wood, responsible for growth in diameter by producing new phloem and xylem cells.

Pholem

• A type of tissue in vascular plants that transports nutrients and food produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

• A layer of cells located outside the cambium that supports the plant's growth.

Xylem

• A type of tissue in vascular plants responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

• It also provides structural support to the plant, helping it maintain its shape and resist mechanical stress.

• Layer of cells located inside the cambium.

What country does this flag represent?

Sweden