Metallyticus
Metallyticus splendidus
Metallyticus splendidus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Mantodea
Family: Metallyticidae
Handlirsch, 1925
Genus: Metallyticus
Westwood, 1835
Species

see text

Synonyms
  • Metalleutica Westwood, 1834

Metallyticus is a genus of praying mantis. It is the only genus in the monotypic family Metallyticidae. They are mostly found in South-East Asia. The species of the genus are dark, somewhat flattened and cockroach-like, and often with a cuticle that is reflective and metallic in appearance.[1][2]

The phylogenetic position of Metallyticidae relative to other mantis families has been studied using both morphological and molecular characters, but consensus on its placement has not been achieved.[3] Along with the genera Chaeteessa and Mantoida, Metallyticus is considered a member of the basal Mantodea,[3] though some scientists consider the application of this term to extant species to be misleading.[4] Metallyticidae species have several autapomorphic traits, including their metallic coloration and the enlarged spine on their front legs. They also have many plesiomorphic traits, including a relatively short pronotum and full wings in both sexes.[3]

Of the five species, M. splendidus and M. violaceus are the most abundant. Most specimens for scientific study have been found in Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula.[3]

Species in this family are distinct from other mantises in their method of prey capture; Metallyticus species typically dart to capture prey, remaining close to the ground, rather than waiting to ambush. These species are usually found in or under bark of decaying trees.[3]

Species

References

  1. ↑ "genus Metallyticus Westwood, 1835: Mantodea Species File". mantodea.speciesfile.org. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
  2. ↑ "Metallyticus". tolweb.org. Retrieved 2021-02-01.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Wieland, Frank (2008). "The genus Metallyticus reviewed (Insecta:Mantodea)" (PDF). Species, Phylogeny and Evolution. 1: 147–170.
  4. ↑ Krell, Frank T.; Cranston, Peter S. (2004). "Which side of the tree is more basal?". Systematic Entomology. 29 (3): 279–281. doi:10.1111/j.0307-6970.2004.00262.x
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