Monday, February 20, 2012

Net-winged Mantids

We have had several Net-winged Mantids (Neomantis australis) turn up around the yard in recent days. They are delicate and active little mantids, very ready to take to the wing. Due to their relatively small size (20mm), they only take small prey. Insects presumably form the bulk of their prey, but I have observed them taking small spiders. They often dart forward considerable distances to it to capture it rather than waiting for it to come to them.




A close-up of the tegmina (fore-wings).

No comments:

Post a Comment