Mantidflies

Mantidflies are a family of insects in the order Neuroptera, known for their mantis-like appearance. They resemble praying mantises in their elongated bodies and raptorial forelegs, but they are more closely related to lacewings and antlions. There are hundreds of described species in several genera, distributed in warm and temperate regions worldwide.

Physically, mantidflies vary in size from small to moderate, with a slender body and two pairs of delicate, veined wings held roof-like over the body when at rest. The forelegs are adapted for grasping prey and are equipped with spines, giving them a mantid-like silhouette. Coloration is diverse, ranging from green and brown to patterned forms that may mimic wasps as a defensive strategy.

Life cycle and ecology: Mantidflies undergo complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on vegetation. The first-instar larva is typically mobile and often specialized to locate hosts, such as spider egg sacs or mantis egg cases. Many species are parasitoids of spider eggs, while others feed on spider eggs or other prey during larval development. Pupation occurs in leaf litter or soil. Adults typically feed on nectar, pollen, and small arthropods, and they are commonly found on flowers or foliage.

Distribution and habitat: Mantidflies are cosmopolitan, with higher diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. They inhabit forests, meadows, and gardens, usually in warm, sheltered microhabitats where their spider-host species or floral resources are abundant.

Significance: Mantidflies are noted for their distinctive appearance and unusual larval life history, including spider-egg parasitoid behavior, which has drawn interest from entomologists studying parasitoid strategies and mimicry.