James says he knows of no animals outside this family that mimic plants.
Male orchid mantis, Malaysia.
Researchers say the colours of the orchid mantis are “indistinguishable” from those of the flowers found in its habitat.
The orchid mantis is found in Malaysia, in low-density forest.
Recent research led by Dr James O’Hanlon, an ecologist at Macquarie University in Sydney, suggests that the orchid mantis attracts 30% more insects than the flowers it mimics.
The Malaysian orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) imitates a flower in order to lure pollinators, say researchers.
Home News Gallery: Mantis that mimick orchids attract more prey than the real thing
Eight captive-bred eastern bristlebirds (Dasyornis brachypterus) were recently released into the Border Ranges region of north-eastern New South Wales where they're considered a critically endangered species.
Breaking world sailing records seems to come naturally to Lisa Blair. Her beaming face and calm but celebratory arrivals in destination ports give little away of the perils, discomforts and sheer loneliness of the epic ocean voyages she completes.
Steam locomotives clattering along railway tracks. Paddle steamers churning down the Murray. Dreadnought battleships powered by steam engines.
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From cuddly companions to realistic native Australian wildlife, the range also includes puppets that move and feel like real animals.