Scientists Discover New Species of Praying Mantis

New Species of Female Praying Mantis Lays Egg Case in Captivity

A new species of praying mantis known as the bush tiger mantis or Dystacta tigrifrutex has been discovered. The wingless females of this species can supposedly catch prey that is close to the ground, much similar to a big cat.

At first, the scientists had come across only the male species of this praying mantis, but soon enough, they also managed to capture a female, who surprisingly also laid an egg case, which gave the scientists a sneak peek into the emerging nymps. This also gave them an opportunity to view these new species in their nymphal stages.

“We knew this mantis was special after completing nearly eight months of work to identify all the specimens found during the three week expedition,” lead author Riley Tedrow, Case Western Reserve University, explained in a statement. “The new species is amazing because the fairly small female prowls through the underbrush searching for prey while the male flies and appears to live higher in the vegetation.”

Researchers discover a new species of praying mantis
Photo Credits: Flickr

One of the distinguishing features that helped the scientists identify the species is the presence of the male genetilia which was usually missing due to the ants eating up important parts of the insects that may have died. Apparently, the scientists came across this new species when they were attempting to study the local insects using light traps.

This species of praying mantis was first discovered in Nyungwe National Park, and the scientists will now be returning there to hunt for additional mantises and also examine other locations of the area.

Their findings have been published in the journal ZooKeys.

New Species of Female Praying Mantis Lays Egg Case in Captivity