Mantispidae
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.
Climaciella
wasp mantidflies
Climaciella is a genus of wasp mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species distributed from North America through Central America to South America and parts of the Caribbean. Adults are notable for their striking Batesian mimicry of polistine paper wasps (Vespidae), featuring a constricted "wasp waist," wings folded longitudinally over the back rather than pitched roof-like, and darkened wing bases that simulate the longitudinal fold of vespid wings. The genus is best known from the common and widespread species C. brunnea, which has been extensively studied for its unique life history involving obligate spider egg-sac parasitism.
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 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 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.
Zeugomantispa minuta
green mantisfly, green mantidfly
Zeugomantispa minuta, commonly known as the green mantisfly, is a small predatory insect in the family Mantispidae. Adults are sit-and-wait predators that use raptorial forelegs to capture prey. Larvae are specialized parasitoids that develop within spider egg sacs, feeding on spider eggs. The species occurs across the Americas from the Caribbean through Central and North America to South America.