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A weekly Pokédex Podcast from Bald Man in Japan Luke Summerhayes. A different Pokémon family every week.
I’m Luke Summerhayes and I love Fomantis.
Mimicry in nature can be very impressive. We talked in our Cutiefly episode about harmless flies which resemble dangerous bees. Countless animals and plants have evolved to resemble something else – from the vague pattern of a zebra falling a lion’s eyes through long grass, to the uncanny appearance of a stick insect impossible to tell apart from the branch it is standing on.
An interesting pair are orchids and orchid mantises. Many orchid flowers have evolved to specifically resemble, and attract, the specific insect they need to spread their pollen. The mantis orchid, in turn, has evolved to resemble the flower, and climb up the plant to lie in wait for the very bugs the flower was made to attract.
Fomantis is a grass-type Pokemon which reverses the pattern; the plant mimicking a mantis with its two praying claws.
Moon
They give off a sweet and refreshing scent. Cutiefly often gather near the tall grass where Fomantis are hiding.
Other than attracting fuzzy, pollen-carrying bugs, though, Fomantis doesn’t do much in the way of predatory behavior.
Sun
During the day, it sleeps and soaks up light. When night falls, it walks around looking for a safer place to sleep.
Violet
Many Trainers give their Fomantis their own flowerpots so they can sunbathe in peace and quiet.
Unlike real plants, it can at least defend itself.
Scarlet
Fomantis hates having its naps interrupted. It fires off beams using energy it gathers by bathing in the sun.
The name Fomantis tells us that this isn’t a real mantis – despite its appearance, this Pokemon has no bug typing. The Japanese name, Karikiri, also refers to a fake mantis. It also brings in the word for prune, which is a nice bonus. This is also reflected in the name Fomantis – while faux is a French word meaning false, it can also mean scythe – like the two blades this Pokemon wields.
A scythe usually brings to mind a full reaping, but to prune is more subtle – it cuts only what needs to be cut for the plant to grow to its best. A well-pruned Fomantis will, at level 34, evolve into Lurantis.
Lurantis much more flamboyant than Fomantis. First off, it is taller and more colorful.
Sun
It requires a lot of effort to maintain Lurantis's vivid coloring, but some collectors enjoy this work and treat it as their hobby.
Its mantis-like claws now far more pronounced.
Ultra Sun
For self-protection, it pretends to be a bug Pokémon. Both of its arms bear keen-edged petals.
and more dangerous
Moon
It fires beams from its sickle-shaped petals. These beams are powerful enough to cleave through thick metal plates.
On top of this, its flowery legs resemble sixties flared pants. The Pokemon overall looks pretty disco.
Ultra Moon
As it slashes into its enemies, it looks like it's dancing. Its elegant appearance has led some to call it the most glamorous Grass Pokémon.
So this is a beautiful disco dancing, laser shooting, blade wielding flower pokemon. It is a mantis that lures in prey, or in Japanese Lalantes, the even more literal orchid mantis. But is it really all that dangerous?
Unfortunately, no. Despite very high attack, it has neither the speed nor the HP to bring that attack to the battle, and has therefore seen very little competitive play. It does have the ability contrary, appropriate for such a disguised monster, which raises any stat the opponent tries to drop, so a skilled player may be able to make it work. Just as skilled botanist is needed to prune the most beautiful orchids.
Music for Luke Loves Pokemon was composed by Jonathan Cromie. Artwork for the show is by Katie Groves. Funding is by supporters at patreon.com/podcastiopodcastius.
I love hearing from listeners! Get in touch on youtube, social media or email and let me know about your favorite monsters. Coming up next are Morelull and Salandit, so let me know your thoughts about those or any other monsters.
Even if you don’t feel like doing any of that, thank you so much for listening.
I love Fomantis. And remember, I love you too.