Thespidae

Genus Guides

3

Thespidae is a of mantises in the order Mantodea, primarily distributed in the Neotropical region with some Nearctic representatives. The family underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2019, when the Haaniinae and Hoplocoryphinae were elevated to family level. Members of Thespidae exhibit diverse ecological adaptations, including cryptic grass-mimicry in some and leaf-litter dwelling in others.

Thesprotia graminis by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.Bistanta mexicana by NaturaLista user: clauss. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Thespis parva Illustrations of Exotic Entomology II 39 (cropped) 2 by Plates: Dru Drury (1725–1803). Text: John Obadiah Westwood (1805–1893). Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thespidae: /ˈθɛspɪdiː/

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Habitat

vary by : Miobantia occur in Atlantic forest of Brazil; Pseudomiopteryx species inhabit leaf litter of tropical forests in Central America, the Amazon, and Andean tropics; Thesprotia graminis occurs in grass and pine needle vegetation in southeastern United States.

Distribution

Primarily Neotropical with limited Nearctic extension. Miobantia: Brazil (Espírito Santo, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia) and Paraguay (San Bernardino). Thesprotia graminis: southeastern United States (Florida). Pseudomiopteryx: Central America, Amazon, and Andean tropics.

Similar Taxa

  • HaaniidaeFormerly placed as Haaniinae within Thespidae; elevated to level in 2019 revision
  • HoplocoryphidaeFormerly placed as Hoplocoryphinae within Thespidae; elevated to level in 2019 revision

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