A video of an insect that looks very much like a rose flower has been making waves online, especially on TikTok. Named “Sleeping Rose Mantis,” it’s posted on different social media pages with the description;
‘This strange creature, known as the Sleeping Rose Mantis, is one of nature’s most convincing disguises. Found in Uruguay’s coastal gardens, it remains completely motionless during the day, resembling a tightly closed rosebud. But as night falls, it unfolds, revealing delicate legs and hidden antennae.”
The footage shows a stunning insect with the body shape of a sleeping rose flower, perched on a finger.
Many viewers were in awe of this “discovery,” with some even arguing that the creature is an AI bug just like the Lotus Mantis that went viral few weeks ago.
Why It’s Fake
Though there is a real insect known as the Gongylus gongylodes it is different from the insect in the viral video. The Gongylus gongylodes doesn’t look like a rose flower. As shown below, it is characterized by extremely slender limbs with large appendages.
Also known as the Wandering Violin Mantis, the Gongylus gongylodes have an impressively long thin body and they swing from left to right to mimic a stick in the wind to hide from predators.
The Truth About the Sleeping Rose Mantis: An AI Creation
After some careful analysis, it’s clear that the “Sleeping Rose Mantis” is not a real insect. The video appear to have been created using artificial intelligence or CGI technology, which has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Firstly, the original creator @oleg.pars used the hashtags ‘Flux. Midjourney. Kling. Aftereffects. Elevenlabs’ which are all softwares used to create AI videos.
Secondly, the creator was the same person who posted the viral Lotus Mantis video which we debunked few weeks ago. His mobile uploads revealed he specializes on ai content.
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 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 “Sleeping Rose 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 “Sleeping Rose Mantis” is fake:
- No Scientific Record: There is no evidence in any scientific databases or entomological records that an insect that looks like a rose 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 Sleeping Rose 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
The “Sleeping Rose Mantis” is a product of artificial intelligence, 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.
People Also Ask
Is the Sleeping Rose Mantis Real?
Though the Sleeping Rose Mantis looks real, it’s actually a fake insect that doesn’t exist in real life. It’s a hoax video created with artificial intelligence software like ElevenLabs, Midjourney, e.t.c
Is The Sleeping Rose Mantis the same as Gongylus gongylodes?
No, the Sleeping Rose Mantis is not Gongylus gongylodes. It’s a fictional insect created by AI, it does not exist in real life. The Gongylus gongylodes look very different from the viral Sleeping Rose Mantis insect; they are very slender, swing from left to right, hence called ‘the Wandering Violin Insect’
What evidence proves the Sleeping Rose Mantis is fake?
It’s posted by a social media page @oleg.pars known for AI art creation. The use of hashtags like #ElevenLabs #Midlife confirm its artificial origins. No proof of scientific research documents its existence.
Are there insects that look like flowers?
Yes, there are insects that look like flowers. The Orchid Mantis of Asia has flower-like appendages for camouflage, The Gray Hairstreak Larva is a lovely little caterpillar native America, the Camouflaged Loopers are a type of insect found in North America, e.t.c. But none looks like a rose flower