Litaneutria obscura
Scudder, 1896
obscure ground mantis
Litaneutria obscura is a small ground-dwelling native to the desert southwest of North America. Unlike most mantids that employ ambush from vegetation, this is , actively running down prey 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 sympatric Yersiniops by rounded rather than pointed apices (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 wings; females are brachypterous with reduced wings, while males may show a small spot at the base of the forewings and a smoother pronotum. Coloration is cryptic brown 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 prey rather than employing the ambush strategy typical of most mantids. 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 sympatric 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 brown/gray coloration.
- Yersiniops spp.Co-occurs in desert ; distinguished by pointed rather than rounded apices, more gray coloration, and 'horned' facial appearance.