Mantidfly
Guides
Calomantispinae
Calomantispinae is a subfamily of mantidflies (Mantispidae, Neuroptera) characterized by distinctive morphological features that distinguish them from the larger Mantispinae subfamily. The subfamily contains multiple genera distributed across Australia and the New World, including the endemic New World genus Nolima and Australian genera such as Calomantispa and Asperala. Species within this subfamily are small to moderate-sized neuropterans with raptorial forelegs convergent with those of praying mantises.
Dicromantispa
Dicromantispa is a genus of mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species. Mantidflies in this genus are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. They are attracted to artificial light sources and are active during warmer months. The genus was established by Hoffman in 2002.
Dicromantispa sayi
Say's mantidfly
Dicromantispa sayi, commonly known as Say's mantidfly, is a small predatory insect in the family Mantispidae. Adults measure 14–15 mm and are recognized by their raptorial forelegs resembling those of praying mantises. The species exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females typically darker than males. It is found across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it inhabits forest edges and prairies. Adults are active from mid-July through early September, peaking at the end of July. The species has a specialized life cycle in which larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs.
Entanoneura
Entanoneura is a genus of mantidflies (family Mantispidae) in the order Neuroptera. These insects are characterized by their raptorial forelegs, which resemble those of praying mantises and are used to capture prey. The genus was established by Enderlein in 1910. As with other mantidflies, members of Entanoneura are predatory insects with complex life cycles that often involve parasitism of spider eggs.
Nolima pinal
Nolima pinal is a mantidfly species endemic to the southwestern United States, ranging from Arizona to Nevada. First described by Rehn in 1939, the species was redescribed in a 2019 taxonomic revision that synonymized N. dine and N. kantsi under it. The species is distinguished by distinctive male abdominal cuticular structures and genitalic morphology, including a strongly projecting, deeply bifid male mediuncus apex and a female spermatheca with a distal accessory gland. Its forewing has a short subcostal space with Sc contacting C near the middle of the costal margin, distal to the pterostigma base.
Plega
Plega is a genus of mantidflies in the subfamily Symphrasinae, recently transferred from Mantispidae to Rhachiberothidae. Species in this genus are known to be parasitoids or predators of other insects during their larval stages. Plega banksi larvae are obligate predators of spider eggs, while Plega spinosa has been documented as an ectoparasitoid of sawfly larvae (Monoctenus cuauhtemoci). The genus exhibits diverse host associations across different life history strategies.
Plega signata
Mantidfly, Mantidfly (no common name specific to this species)
Plega signata is a species of mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, first described by Hagen in 1877. Originally placed in the genus Symphrasis, it was later transferred to Plega. Mantidflies are neuropteran insects that exhibit remarkable morphological convergence with praying mantises, possessing raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species occurs in Middle America and North America according to distribution records. As with other mantidflies, the larvae are likely parasitoids, though specific host relationships for P. signata remain poorly documented. The genus Plega contains species that are generally less studied than the more common North American mantidflies in the genus Mantispa.
Xeromantispa
Xeromantispa is a monotypic genus of mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, established by Hoffman in 2002. The genus contains a single described species, X. scabrosa. Mantidflies are predatory insects characterized by raptorial forelegs resembling those of praying mantises, though they belong to the order Neuroptera rather than Mantodea.
Xeromantispa scabrosa
Xeromantispa scabrosa is a species of mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, order Neuroptera. The genus Xeromantispa is distinguished from other mantidflies by adaptations to arid environments. This species was described by Banks in 1912. Mantidflies in this genus are characterized by their raptorial forelegs, similar to those of praying mantises, used for capturing prey. The specific epithet "scabrosa" refers to a rough or scabrous texture, likely describing some aspect of the cuticle or body surface.