Litaneutria pacifica
Scudder, 1896
Pacific Ground Mantis
Litaneutria pacifica is a ground-dwelling mantis in the Amelidae, found in western North America. Unlike most mantids that employ ambush from vegetation, this species has adopted a (running) strategy to pursue prey across open ground. It is one of two Litaneutria species occurring in the United States, where it occupies desert and grassland . The species was described by Scudder in 1896.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Litaneutria pacifica: //ˌlɪtəˈnjuːtriə pəˈsɪfɪkə//
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Identification
Distinguished from Yersiniops by rounded (not pointed) and generally browner (not grayer) coloration. Separated from Litaneutria minor by geographic range—L. pacifica occurs in the western U.S. while L. minor is broadly distributed across the Great Plains and into southwestern Canada. L. obscura is restricted to the desert southwest and may overlap in range.
Images
Appearance
Small with cryptic brown or gray coloration adapted for ground-dwelling. Total length less than 38 mm (1.5 inches). Rounded distinguish it from the related Yersiniops, which has pointed, 'horned' eye . Adults possess small wings; females are brachypterous (short-winged), and most males are as well. Males may show a small spot at the base of the forewings and a smoother pronotum.
Habitat
Desert and grassland in western North America. Occupies open, arid environments with sparse vegetation where hunting is advantageous.
Distribution
Western United States. Range distinct from L. minor, which occurs throughout the Great Plains and into southwestern Canada.
Behavior
that actively runs down prey rather than employing ambush tactics typical of most mantids. Has been observed hopping over rocks and darting swiftly through sparse vegetation when pursuing prey or evading predators.
Similar Taxa
- Litaneutria minorOverlaps in but separated by distribution—L. minor occurs broadly in Great Plains and into Canada, while L. pacifica is restricted to western U.S.
- Litaneutria obscuraOccurs in desert southwest and may overlap geographically; specific distinguishing features not documented in available sources
- Yersiniops spp.Co-occurring ground distinguished by pointed, 'horned' and grayer coloration
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Litaneutria formerly included additional (L. borealis and others) that were synonymized under L. minor by Hebard in 1935 per Vickery and Kevan (1983). The current species limits among western Litaneutria may warrant reevaluation.