Litaneutria emarginata
Anderson, 2018
Litaneutria emarginata is a of ground in the Amelidae, described by Anderson in 2018. As a member of the Litaneutria, it is part of a group of (running) mantids that actively pursue prey rather than ambushing from vegetation. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid of western North America. Like other ground mantids, it exhibits cryptic coloration and rapid, agile movement across open ground.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Litaneutria emarginata: /ˌlɪtəˈnjʊtriə ɛˌmɑrdʒɪˈneɪtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from by the (notched) feature referenced in its specific epithet. Within the Litaneutria, separated from Yersiniops by rounded rather than pointed apices (Yersiniops has a 'horned' appearance with pointed tops of eyes). From L. minor and L. obscura by specific morphological details of the emargination; L. minor occurs broadly across the Great Plains and western U.S. into Canada, while L. obscura is restricted to the desert southwest.
Habitat
Desert and grassland in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Occurs in open, sparsely vegetated terrain where hunting strategy is advantageous.
Distribution
Western North America; specific range details limited due to recent description (2018). Related in the occur across the Great Plains, western United States, and southwestern Canada.
Diet
; preys on small arthropods. As a , actively runs down prey rather than ambushing from vegetation.
Behavior
that runs down prey rather than employing ambush tactics typical of most mantids. Capable of rapid, agile movement across open ground, hopping over obstacles and darting through sparse vegetation. Cryptically colored for concealment in exposed .
Ecological Role
in arid grassland and desert ; contributes to in open, sparsely vegetated where ambush is less effective.
Similar Taxa
- Litaneutria minorOverlapping distribution in western North America; distinguished by specific emargination features and potentially by size and wing characteristics (L. minor less than 1.5 inches, with brachypterous females)
- Litaneutria obscuraCongeneric restricted to desert southwest; distinguished by range and morphological details
- Yersiniops spp.Co-occurring ground ; distinguished by pointed rather than rounded apices, grayer coloration, and 'horned' facial appearance