Flower Gallery / Orchid. Phragmipedium Praying Mantis. Phragmipedium species are most often found in the mountains at about 900-1500 m. However, some species are found near sea level, and others are found as high as 2500-3000 m. As can be noticed from the distribution-range of this genus, they grow in tropical to subtropical climates from South-Mexico, through Central-America, to Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil.