Rare yellow orchid mantis photographed in Yunnan

A yellow orchid mantis was recently photographed in the Wangtianshu scenic area of Mengla county, Yunnan province, highlighting the region's improving ecological environment.

Orchid mantises, known for their impressive flower mimicry, are commonly found in pink in Mengla, with the yellow variation being a rare find. The insect needs precise environmental conditions to thrive, making them an indicator species for assessing the ecological quality of a region.

Zhao Junjun, a board member of the Entomological Society of Yunnan, recently came across a yellow orchid mantis for the first time, describing it as "quite rare" and "a sign of the region's improving ecological environment". He has been an insect photographer for over 20 years.

In recent years, an increasing number of rare species have been recorded in the rainforest of Mengla, demonstrating the ongoing improvement in the regional ecological environment, according to local authorities.