Mimicry
Odontomantis planiceps (de Haan, 1842) - A first instar nymph.
Odontomantis planiceps (de Haan, 1842) - A first instar nymph.
Imaging technique:
Photograph
Keywords:
Description:
The first instar nymphs of Odontomantis planiceps (de Haan, 1842) are easily mistaken for ants.
Taxonomic name:
Neuroptera: Mantispidae - This is not a mantis.
Neuroptera: Mantispidae - This is not a mantis.
Imaging technique:
Photograph
Description:
This may look like a mantis - but it isn't. It is a member of the order Neuroptera, family Mantispidae. This specimen, from Kalimantan, was being offered for sale by a dealer as a mantis! The most obvious features to distinguish them are the antennae and the wing veins.