Viral Sensation: The Myth of the Celestial Mantis
On March 7, 2025, Instagram user @oleg.pars ignited social media with a captivating clip featuring a creature claimed to be the “Celestial Mantis,” a rare insect purportedly camouflaged as a flower. The video, showcasing an entity with white petals reminiscent of a lotus flower and grasshopper-like appendages, quickly went viral, leaving netizens in awe of this supposedly elusive species.
“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,” the caption read.
“Standing there, cold but completely amazed, I realized the best adventures start with a story you can’t quite believe. Flux, Kling, Aftereffects, Elevenlabs.”
As of the latest update, the post amassed an astounding 11.1 million likes, 48.2 thousand comments, and 4.1 million shares. However, a critical assessment reveals that the Celestial Mantis is nothing more than an imaginative fabrication; there is no scientific basis for its existence.
Beneath the post, several hashtags provided clues about the creature’s true nature. Tags such as #vfx, #ai, and #digitalart suggest a digital creation. Furthermore, the inclusion of #midjourneygallery pointed to the participation of the AI art platform, Midjourney.
The clip’s authenticity faced further scrutiny when viewers noted the appearance of six fingers on the person’s hand, where the alleged Celestial Mantis had perched, raising additional doubts about the video’s legitimacy.
Despite the suspicions, reactions varied widely on social media; while some users were mesmerized by the creature’s beauty, others expressed skepticism regarding its authenticity.
Debunking the Myth: The Celestial Mantis Is Not Real
The myth surrounding the Celestial Mantis gained further momentum when fellow Instagram user @ziad_zebra reposted the video on April 1, 2025, aptly timed for April Fool’s Day. This version showcased the purported mantis landing on a six-fingered human hand with a wintery backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
“The Celestial Mantis just landed on his hand. Only 3 sightings in the last 150 years. Is this a sign?”
In this repost, the creature was referred to as a “mythical being,” boasting about its “last sighting in 1872,” claiming it had recently shocked the scientific community.
“At 10,000 ft in the snow-covered peaks, this unthinkable moment was captured: the legendary Celestial Mantis appeared… and landed calmly on a human hand. Only 3 sightings have ever been recorded. The last one was in 1872, by a British explorer who vanished shortly after,” the caption read.
@ziad_zebra went further to suggest that locals believed the Celestial Mantis to be “not an insect” but rather a “spirit guide in disguise,” igniting curiosity about its nature. Despite the sensationalism, the post, which garnered over 1.3 million likes in just a week, appears to be a cleverly crafted hoax designed for virality.
The captivating video also found its way onto various platforms, including Reddit’s @r/MartialMemes community on April 5, and a Facebook post by One Green Planet on March 11, prompting discussions about the authenticity of the creature with the caption “The stunning lotus mantis. AI or Real?”
Many users echoed similar observations regarding the peculiar six fingers and the lack of scientific evidence to support the existence of the Celestial Mantis.
Interestingly, while the Celestial Mantis may not be real, there exists an actual insect known as the orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) found in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. This fascinating insect exhibits remarkable mimicry and camouflage, resembling an orchid flower with its striking white and pink colors, making it an expert in deception.
Equipped with binocular vision, the orchid mantis is adept at locating prey while staying concealed from potential threats. This natural marvel emphasizes the wonders of evolution and serves as a reminder that even in fiction, inspiration can often be drawn from reality.
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