The Theopropus elegans is a species of praying mantis commonly known as the banded flower mantis. It is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its distinctive appearance and camouflage, which help it act as an ambush predator.
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Adults are typically green and white with a large white transverse stripe on their forewings and bright orange hind wings. Nymphs (after their first molt) share the green and white coloration, but initial, freshly hatched nymphs are red and black, which helps them mimic ants.
Size: The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Adult females can grow up to 5 cm (about 2 inches) in length, while males typically reach only 3 cm.
Habitat and Behavior: They are forest-dwelling insects, often found perched on flowers or foliage where they wait to ambush prey such as butterflies and bees.
Color Variation: Interestingly, individuals from the same egg case can display color variations, including red, green, and yellow tones. They can even change their color over a short period, potentially in response to their environment.
Care in Captivity: They are a popular species in the pet trade and are generally considered relatively easy to keep for those experienced with exotic inverts, requiring moderate humidity and flying prey like flies.