Little Yucatan Mantid

Mantoida maya

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mantoida maya: /mænˈtoʊɪdə ˈmaɪə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Mantoida maya by Saussure and Zehntner. Used under a Public domain license.
Mantoida maya 2 by Saussure and Zehntner. Used under a Public domain license.
Thoracic structures of Mantodea by Brannoch SK, Wieland F, Rivera J, Klass K-D, Béthoux O, Svenson GJ. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Annotated illustrations of fore- and hindwing venation and structures in Mantoida maya and Mantis religiosa by Brannoch SK, Wieland F, Rivera J, Klass K-D, Béthoux O, Svenson GJ. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Mantoida maya, commonly known as the little Yucatán mantis, is a species of praying mantis found in Mexico and Florida. It exhibits unique juvenile mimicry and distinct physical characteristics.

Physical Characteristics

15-17 mm in length; juvenile mimics ants and wingless ichneumon wasps (red head & thorax, black abdomen); square-shaped pronotum; oval abdomen with white bands on the first 2 abdominal tergites; white bands on the antennae.

Identification Tips

Look for the square-shaped pronotum and the unique color pattern, especially the resemblance to ants and ichneumon wasps in juveniles.

Habitat

Open pinelands, scrub; ground litter in hammocks and thickets of dense scrub.

Distribution

Found in Mexico and the U.S. state of Florida.

Life Cycle

Adults are typically active from June to September.

Tags

  • Mantoida maya
  • Little Yucatán mantis
  • praying mantis
  • insect
  • Florida