Mantis fly — printable fact sheet

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Mantis fly

Mantispa styriaca

The mantis fly, or mantidfly, is a predatory insect that closely resembles a praying mantis but is actually more closely related to lacewings. It has raptorial front legs adapted for grasping prey and an elongated thorax, giving it a mantis-like appearance. Mantis flies are foun…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Mantispidae

Habitat

Temperate and subtropical forests

Diet

Carnivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1-2 years

Weight

0.01–0.02 grams

Scientific name

Mantispa styriaca

Did you know?

Despite their name and appearance, mantis flies are not true flies or mantises, but belong to their own family, Mantispidae.
Mantis flies are masters of mimicry, often resembling wasps or mantids to avoid predators. The larvae of some species invade spider egg sacs and feed on the eggs inside. Adults display a unique hunting style, using their spiny front legs to snatch prey in a manner similar to mantises.

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