Mantid Lacewings
Mantispidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Neuroptera
- Suborder: Hemerobiiformia
- Family: Mantispidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mantispidae: //mænˈtɪspɪˌdeɪ//
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Summary
Mantispidae, or mantidflies, are a family of predatory insects characterized by their mantis-like forelegs evolved for capturing prey. With a widespread distribution and diverse feeding strategies, they exhibit specialized larval development, particularly in searching for and feeding on spider eggs.
Physical Characteristics
Ranging from 5 to 47 mm long and a wingspan of 5 to 30 mm, they typically possess a brownish coloration with green, yellow, and sometimes red hues. Their forelegs are raptorial and modified for capturing prey, resembling those of praying mantids. Adult mantidflies have four membranous wings, which may be clear or patterned in some wasp-mimicking species.
Identification Tips
Look for the raptorial forelegs that are similar to those of mantids. Adult mantidflies can vary in color, being commonly brown, yellow, green, or occasionally pink, with possible patterns on the wings primarily in wasp mimics.
Habitat
Found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; they tend to be more diverse in southern areas, while some species inhabit Nearctic regions including Canada.
Distribution
~400 species worldwide across 44 genera, with about 11 species in 7 genera in the Nearctic region and 4 species in 3 genera in Canada.
Diet
Adults are predatory, feeding on small insects captured using their raptorial forelegs. Larvae primarily feed on spider eggs or other insects, depending on the subfamily.
Life Cycle
Larvae undergo hypermetamorphosis. First instar larvae either seek out and penetrate spider egg sacs or ride on spiders until they can enter the egg sacs as they are being built.
Reproduction
Females typically lay stalked eggs in large numbers. The larvae demonstrate two distinct strategies to locate and access spider eggs.
Ecosystem Role
They serve as predators of small arthropods, playing a role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Evolution
Mantispidae is closely related to Dilaridae and other neuropteran families, sharing a convergent evolution in foreleg morphology with mantids.
Similar Taxa
- Dilaridae
- Rhachiberothidae
- Berothidae
Tags
- Mantidflies
- Mantis Lacewings
- Neuroptera
- Predatory Insects