Mantidflies are insects of the family Mantispidae, related to lacewings and antlions within the order Neuroptera, notable for evolving raptorial front legs that closely resemble those of the unrelated praying mantis through convergent evolution. Found worldwide, most species have predatory larvae that parasitize spider egg sacs, hatching and burrowing inside to feed, while adults are free-living predators of other insects.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceSpiny raptorial front legs modified to catch prey, very similar to the front legs of mantids 1 Scientific Name Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source Wikidata: Mantidfly
In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Mantispidae
Introduction
Mantispidae, commonly known as mantidflies
Description and ecology section
their spiny \\"raptorial\"\" front legs are modified to catch small insect prey and are very similar to the front legs of mantids"
- insects found worldwide especially tropics/subtropics
View the Source2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ1002513, descriptionView the Source Wikidata: Mantidfly
- Wikidata Q1002513, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Neuroptera, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.