Mantispid

Natural Habitat

Typically found in various terrestrial habitats including forests, grasslands, and gardens, often near their spider hosts for larval stages.

Diet & Feeding

Adult mantispids are typically predatory, feeding on small insects, pollen, and nectar. Mantispid larvae are predatory on the egg sacs or young of spiders. In some species, larvae also feed on other arthropod larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Mantispids are known for their raptorial forelegs, similar to those of praying mantises, which they use to capture prey. Females lay eggs on stalks or directly on surfaces. The larval stages are parasitic or predatory on spiders. First instar larvae actively search for spider egg sacs or directly attach to female spiders awaiting egg-laying. They then enter the egg sac and feed on the developing spiderlings.

Risks & Benefits

Mantispids pose no known risks to humans. As predators of other insects and parasites of spiders (which can also be pests), they can contribute to pest control within ecosystems, offering a natural benefit.

Identified on: 9/25/2025