The Mantidfly is a bizarre neuropteran with the front half of a praying mantis — complete with raptorial forelegs for seizing prey — grafted onto the rear of a lacewing. This is a stunning example of convergent evolution. The larva is a spider egg parasitoid: it rides on a female spider, enters her egg sac, and feeds on the eggs inside.
Habitat
Forests, field edges, and shrubby areas throughout the East
Diet
Adults: small insects seized with raptorial forelegs. Larvae: spider eggs
How common
Uncommon
Recent Mantidfly sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Mantidfly? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free