Metallyticus fallax

Metallyticus fallax
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Metallyticidae
Genus: Metallyticus
Species:
M. fallax
Binomial name
Metallyticus fallax

Metallyticus fallax is a species of praying mantis found in Southeast Asia. It has an iridescent appearance.[1][2] It is very similar to Metallyticus splendidus.

Biology and Ecology

Metallyticus fallax has several plesiomorphic morphological traits, such as its short prothorax and lack of discoidal spines. It has more ventral cervical sclerites than Metallyticus splendidus.[3]

This mantis tends to rest underneath the bark of trees, feeding on butterflies, termites, flies, and mainly on cockroaches. They also chase after their prey, rather than ambushing them like most mantis species.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2008-07-18. Tree of Life Web Project. 2005
  2. ^ [1] Texas A&M University
  3. ^ a b Wieland, Frank (September 2008). "The genus Metallyticus reviewed (Insecta: Mantodea)" (PDF). Entomoresin.


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