While at rest it is well camouflaged, and is a sufficiently good aggressive mimic of a flower that prey insects can attempt to pollinate it, at which moment the mantis seizes and eats them.

[citation needed] Spiny Flower mantises prefer flying insects throughout their entire lifecycle.

These mantises have strong forearms, and a big appetite while they are growing up, and therefore can handle rather large prey compared to their body sizes.

Instead, they prefer to remain completely still, disguised as part of the environment, waiting to strike when an unsuspecting insect comes by.

[2] Like with many mantis species, P. wahlbergi females practice sexual cannibalism; however, nymphs are not cannibalistic until their fourth instar.