A video of an insect that looks very much like a flower has been making waves online, especially on TikTok. Dubbed the “Lotus Mantis,” it’s posted on different Tiktok pages with the description;
‘When a monk mentioned the lotus mantis—a rare insect disguised as a flower living high in the mountains—I knew I had to see it for myself. After an exhausting climb through freezing conditions, the creature appeared just at sunrise, calmly perching on my hand. Standing there, cold but completely amazed, I realized the best adventures start with a story you can’t quite believe.”
The footage shows an insect with the body shape of a praying mantis, but its outer shell is an eye-catching, flower-like structure, much like the petals of a lotus flower.
Many viewers were in awe of this “discovery,” with some even arguing that the creature must have evolved in isolation on a mountain, creating this incredible flower-like appearance for camouflage or mating purposes.
Why It’s Fake
Though there is a real insect known as the Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus), which shares some similarities with the Lotus Mantis, its appearance and habitat are far different from what the “Lotus Mantis” in the viral TikTok videos portrays. The Orchid Mantis is generally found in Southeast Asia and does not resemble a lotus flower.
The Orchid Mantis is a true marvel of nature and gets its name due to its remarkable resemblance to an orchid flower. This insect uses its floral disguise to blend in with the plants in its tropical habitat, helping it avoid predators while also providing an effective ambush predator strategy for hunting prey.
The Truth About the Lotus Mantis: A Creation of AI
After some careful analysis, it’s clear that the “Lotus Mantis” is not a real insect. The videos circulating on TikTok appear to have been created using artificial intelligence or CGI technology, which has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Firstly, the hand in a black glove which the insect perched on, has six fingers instead of five. This is common with videos created with artificial intelligence.
Also, the repeated use of the hashtag #AI, #elevenlabs, suggest that these clips are likely part of a creative project designed to entertain or intrigue viewers, rather than an actual discovery.
AI-generated content has become increasingly popular in the online world, with artists, filmmakers, and hobbyists using tools to create hyper-realistic images and videos. In this case, the “Lotus Mantis” is most likely a product of these technologies, showcasing how advanced digital tools can create entirely new creatures that seem almost lifelike, even though they don’t exist in nature.
Why the Misinformation Spreads
So, why did these videos gain so much attention? The combination of the insect’s striking flower-like appearance and the mystery surrounding its supposed discovery made it a prime candidate for viral content. People are often fascinated by unusual creatures and natural wonders, and the idea that a never-before-seen insect had been discovered only adds to the allure. The use of the #AI hashtag also hints at the growing role of artificial intelligence in content creation, yet it seems many viewers are unaware of how AI is being used to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
Debunking the Myth
To set the record straight, here’s why the “Lotus Mantis” is fake:
- No Scientific Record: There is no evidence in any scientific databases or entomological records that an insect that looks like a Lotus flower exists. If such a creature were discovered, it would have been documented and studied by biologists.
- AI Influence: The hashtag #AI in the videos gives a major clue that the creature is a product of artificial intelligence. Advanced AI programs are now capable of generating highly realistic creatures that never existed in nature.
- Similar Species: While the Lotus Mantis does not exist, real-life creatures like the Orchid Mantis do mimic flowers for survival. This showcases nature’s ability to create stunning adaptations, but the Orchid Mantis is a very different insect from what’s shown in the viral videos.
Conclusion
In the age of viral trends and rapidly advancing AI technology, it’s essential to stay curious and informed. The “Lotus Mantis” is a product of digital creativity, not a new discovery from the wild. While AI can create mesmerizing and lifelike creatures, it’s important to remember that not everything we see online is based in reality.
Next time you come across a video of a “new” species, take a moment to question its authenticity. The natural world is filled with wonder and beauty—let’s celebrate the real creatures that exist and continue to explore the fascinating ways in which they survive and adapt.
Nora