title: Helvia
text: # Helvia
  
  Helvia is a genus of praying mantises in the family Hymenopodidae found in Southeast Asia. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species, Helvia cardinalis.
  
  ## Taxonomy
  
  Helvia cardinalis is known by various common names including yellow flower mantis and Davison's mantis. It is one of several species known as flower mantises due to their appearance and behaviour which gives them a camouflaged resemblance to flowers.
  
  ## Description
  
  This slender species is mainly plain yellow or greenish. The female (38 mm long) is much larger than the male, with three dark spots on the somewhat pointed wings.
  
  