Litaneutria obscura
Scudder, 1896
obscure ground mantis
Litaneutria obscura is a small ground-dwelling to the desert southwest of North America. Unlike most that employ ambush from vegetation, this is , actively running down on the ground. It is one of two Litaneutria species in the United States, with a more restricted range than its L. minor. The species is currently treated as a synonym of L. ocularis by some taxonomic authorities.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Litaneutria obscura: /ˌlɪtəˈnjuːtriə ɒbˈskjʊərə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the Yersiniops by rounded rather than pointed (Yersiniops has a 'horned' appearance with pointed eye tops). Separated from L. minor, which occurs broadly throughout the Great Plains and western U.S., by geographic restriction to the desert southwest. possess small ; females are with reduced wings, while males may show a small spot at the base of the and a smoother . Coloration is cryptic or gray.
Habitat
Desert and arid grassland . Occurs in open, dry environments with sparse vegetation where hunting strategy is advantageous.
Distribution
Restricted to the desert southwest of the United States: Arizona, southern California, Texas, and New Mexico.
Behavior
that runs down rather than employing the ambush strategy typical of most . Capable of rapid movement across ground, hopping over rocks and darting through sparse vegetation when pursuing prey or evading predators.
Ecological Role
in arid ground-level .
Similar Taxa
- Litaneutria minorBroadly in western U.S. but occurs throughout Great Plains and into southwestern Canada; L. obscura restricted to desert southwest. Both share ground-dwelling and cryptic /gray coloration.
- Yersiniops spp.Co-occurs in desert ; distinguished by pointed rather than rounded , more gray coloration, and 'horned' facial appearance.