Litaneutria chaparrali
Anderson, 2021
Litaneutria chaparrali is a small ground mantis in the Amelidae, described in 2021. It is native to Southern California and Baja California, where it inhabits chaparral and related . As a member of the ground mantids, it exhibits (running) predatory rather than the ambush strategy typical of most mantids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Litaneutria chaparrali: //laɪtəˈnjuːtriə tʃæpəˈrælaɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from by geographic range: Litaneutria chaparrali is restricted to Southern California and Baja California, while L. minor occurs broadly throughout the Great Plains and western U.S., and L. obscura is restricted to the desert southwest. Within the , Litaneutria have rounded (the tops of the eyes are pointed in the related genus Yersiniops, giving a 'horned' appearance).
Habitat
Chaparral vegetation in Southern California and adjacent Baja California.
Distribution
Southern California and Baja California.
Behavior
Ground-dwelling; that runs down prey rather than ambushing from vegetation.
Similar Taxa
- Litaneutria minorOccurs broadly throughout the Great Plains and western U.S. into southwestern Canada; distinguished by geographic separation from L. chaparrali.
- Litaneutria obscuraRestricted to the desert southwest; distinguished by geographic separation from L. chaparrali.
- Yersiniops spp.Related ground with pointed tops to the , giving a 'horned' appearance, and tending toward gray coloration rather than brown.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Anderson in 2021, this is one of the more recently described in the Litaneutria.
Ground mantis ecology
The (running) predatory strategy of ground mantids appears to have evolved in response to dry, xeric with sparse non-herbaceous vegetation, where the ambush strategy used by most mantids is less effective.