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Campion sp.
This strange and interesting lacewing was about 18 mm long. It was a dark brown with a cylindrical abdomen showing pale patterns. The wings were longer than the abdomen and showed a network of veins. The costal margins were chitinous, broadening and ending slight short of the wing tips. A long neck supported a head with spherical blue eyes ( like an antlion) and short antennae. The fore legs were raptorial like that of a mantis and had a few spines.
Spotted on an Acacia tree
These mantisflies parasitise spider egg cases, where the larvae develop. I believe the genus ID is correct but will need confirmation. Although they look like mantids they are not related and unlike Mantids, they have a larval and pupal stage in their development (holometabolous) Also called mantis-fly, mantis lacewing. Order: Neuroptera Family: Mantispidae
Spotted on Feb 10, 2014
Submitted on Feb 10, 2014
5 Comments
I wonder how it scratches itself.
Thanks Martin & Stephen. Made Mark envious ! I was so excited to find this strange insect. Got the ID of your spotting Martin, as it was the closest match...thanks.
Nice find and photo!
A great spotting Leuba, and as usual, some great information on these fascinating insects.
Great find!