Plega
Guides
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.