Dictyoptera

Dictyoptera is a superorder of insects that has historically been used to group two living lineages: mantises (Mantodea) and cockroaches and termites (Blattodea). The name comes from Greek words meaning “net” and “wing,” reflecting the characteristic venation of many members’ wings. Classification has varied: some systems place termites within Blattodea, while still treating Mantodea and Blattodea as the two main components of Dictyoptera; others retain a broader sense that includes Isoptera (termites) as part of the same grouping.

Key features of Dictyoptera include chewing mouthparts, two pairs of wings in many adults, and a body plan adapted for a variety of habitats. Mantodea are distinguished by their triangular heads, raptorial forelegs, and predatory behavior. Blattodea (cockroaches and termites) are typically more generalized in body form; termites are eusocial with complex colonies, while cockroaches are mostly omnivorous scavengers. Members undergo gradual metamorphosis, with nymphs resembling small adults.

Diversity and distribution are broad, with several thousand described species. Mantodea number around a few thousand species, Blattodea including numerous cockroaches and termites, and together they occupy a wide range of environments worldwide, from tropical forests to urban areas. Termites are particularly important as decomposers in many ecosystems, whereas mantises are chiefly predators and cockroaches contribute to detrital food webs.

Evolutionary history of Dictyoptera dates back to the Paleozoic era, with fossil groups revealing early winged insects related to modern mantises, cockroaches, and termites. The group continues to be studied for insights into insect flight, social evolution (in termites), and human-insect interactions.