Mantophasmatodea
- Pronunciation
- /MAN-toh-fass-mat-oh-DEE-ah/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Mantophasmatodean
- Plural
- Mantophasmatodeans
Definition
An order of insects characterized by their unique morphology, resembling both praying mantids and stick insects. They were discovered in 2002 and are often referred to as 'gladiators'.
Etymology
From Greek 'mantis' meaning 'prophet' and 'phasma' meaning 'ghost', possibly reflecting their perceived ghostly appearance.
Example
The Mantophasmatodea order is considered a sister group to the Mantodea (praying mantises) and Phasmatodea (stick insects).
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The classification of Mantophasmatodea has been debated since its discovery, with some entomologists considering it a suborder within the order Notoptera.