However i beleive there is a reason for this sicne one of the names for the devil in some mytholgy is bleph... something and mendica also has a similar tie i think.
That's right, but most of the Empusids have scientific names with such a link, e.g.
Idolomorpha,
Idolomantis,
Blepharodes,
Blepharopsis,
Empusa,
diabolica and so on.
The connection between "devil" and "flower" applies to
I. diabolica only because of the assumption, it would use the flowerlike deimatic display to attract prey. This was thought about 100 years ago and that's where the name came from. Actually, as most of the breeders know, the display is more eye-like and does not allow any prey capture.
Also, the name "Indian Rose Mantis" for
G. gongylodes is about the same age, as there was an old article describing the habits of that species, which was rather abundant in the roses of the Indian domicile of one of the authors.
So, i think this should be considered in case a list of Common names is to be compiled. If there already is a name, we should use it instead of creating a new one, particularly if it has such an interesting history.
Regards,
Christian
