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Mantispids
(Order Neuroptera;
Family Mantispidae)
They look like mantises, but they
are not! These nerve-winged insects (Order Neuroptera) have evolved
raptorial forelegs just like mantises. There are also some flies (Order
Diptera) that have evolved these kinds of legs and some thread-legged bugs
(Order Hemiptera, Family Reduviidae). All of these species are carnivorous
and use these specially modified legs to catch and hold prey, while they eat
alive!
Arizona Mantispid
Chapalan Mantispid- Lake
Chapala, Mexico
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