Yersiniops solitarius
(Scudder, 1896)
Horned Ground Mantis
Yersiniops solitarius is a small, ground native to the southwestern United States. measure 18–22 mm in body length and are characterized by pointed projections above the that create a 'horned' appearance. Unlike most mantids, this is wingless or possesses only short, non-functional wings, and is an active hunter that pursues prey on the ground rather than ambushing from vegetation. It occurs in prairie where grasses and shrubs are mixed.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Yersiniops solitarius: /jɛrˈsiː.ni.ˌɔps ˌsɒ.lɪˈtɛə.ɹi.əs/
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Identification
Distinguished from the related Litaneutria by the pointed projections on top of the , which create a 'horned' appearance (Litaneutria has rounded eyes). Tends toward gray coloration compared to the brown coloration typical of Litaneutria. Wingless or with very short, non-functional wings, unlike many other . The combination of small size (18–22 mm), straw to gray coloration, pointed eye projections, and ground-dwelling habit separates this species from other U.S. mantids.
Images
Habitat
Prairie sites in the southwestern United States where grasses and shrubs are mixed. Occurs in arid and semi-arid grassland environments.
Distribution
United States: Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Southeastern Colorado specifically documented in mixed grass-shrub prairie sites.
Behavior
that actively runs down prey rather than employing the ambush strategy typical of most mantids. Excellent jumper, using long rear legs to leap over obstacles and evade predators. Ground-dwelling; lives exclusively on the ground rather than in vegetation.
Similar Taxa
- Litaneutria minorBoth are small, ground mantids in the tribe Litaneutriini. Distinguished by Y. solitarius having pointed projections ('horned' appearance) versus rounded eyes in L. minor, and gray versus brown coloration.
- Litaneutria obscuraBoth are ground-dwelling mantids in the same tribe. Separated by geographic range (L. obscura restricted to desert southwest) and the pointed projections characteristic of Yersiniops.