Amelidae
Guides
Litaneutria elongata
Litaneutria elongata is a ground mantid species described by Anderson in 2018. As a member of the genus Litaneutria, it belongs to a group of cursorial (running) mantids that actively pursue prey rather than employing the ambush strategy typical of most mantids. The genus is represented in the United States by multiple species, with members characterized by rounded eyes and cryptic brown or gray coloration adapted to arid environments. This species is part of the family Amelidae within the order Mantodea.
Litaneutria emarginata
Litaneutria emarginata is a species of ground mantid in the family Amelidae, described by Anderson in 2018. As a member of the genus Litaneutria, it is part of a group of cursorial (running) mantids that actively pursue prey rather than ambushing from vegetation. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats of western North America. Like other ground mantids, it exhibits cryptic coloration and rapid, agile movement across open ground.
Yersiniops
Grasshopper Mantises
Yersiniops is a genus of ground-dwelling mantids native to the Americas, distinguished by their cursorial hunting strategy of actively running down prey rather than ambushing from vegetation. The genus is characterized by pointed, 'horned' eyes and predominantly gray coloration. Two species, Y. solitarius and Y. sophronicus, occur in the United States, where they inhabit arid western regions. These small mantids represent one of two ground mantid genera in North America, alongside Litaneutria.