Screenshot Saturday - The Wasp Mantidfly

MikeSlugDisco

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The wasp mantidfly (Climaciella brunnea) is neither a wasp nor a mantid - the wasp-like pigmentation is mimicry to fool predators, and the mantis-like forearms are an excellent example of convergent evolution, where similar solutions to a problem evolve in unrelated species.

Voracious hunters of insects, they are more than willing to tussle with fire ants for a quick snack. They grab their prey very much like a praying mantis does - using those uncanny forearms. They then fly off to devour it in peace. Expect to see them lurking among the flora waiting for your colony to stray too close!

 
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