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Tarachodes sp.
I know this is a mantis but a black one?
That's great, Johan! I will definitely defer to you. I think I need to invest in some insect guides! Haha!
Tamar, I used "Field Guide to Insect of South Africa". The second photo in this spotting is a bit better. There are 9 similar looking species in the region.
Johan, do you have a reference for Tarachodes that looks similar to this one (I would love to see it!)?
I'm not sure I agree with Tarachodes for this Mantid. Most of them are more cryptic browns and grays and have a different shape to their bodies (more textured body, more angular head). They tend to hold their bodies in a different position as well, from what I have seen.
A reference page for one of the species of Tarachodes:
http://www.terra-typica.ch/berichte/tara...
I am not an expert by any means, just an observer of details! I still have a ton to learn. :-)
It is similar in appearance to Mantids in Genus Mantoida but I am not sure if they occur in South Africa. They tend to be dark. The nymphs of this Genus usually mimic wingless wasps or ants I think (not totally sure if that is consistent for all members of this Genus).
It's not the same species as yours but you can compare physical structure and appearance:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/134848
I hope this helps.
Spotted on Jan 29, 2013
Submitted on Jan 29, 2013
+1
