Species Details
Ochthera mantis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameMantis Fly
SeasonalityDepends on area collected, likely in the summer in Alberta.
IdentificationIdentifying individuals down to genus is fairly simple, due to their large raptorial forelegs. Identifying down to species level is more complicated though, due to the fact that Ochthera mantis was originally a complex of species (Clausen, 1977). This means that colour differences, and genital differences, especially on the males are key in identifying them. The head has no markings, and the tarsi of the front legs are a dark brown or a black colour. In the males, the aedeagus, which is a part of the genitalia that aids in delivering the spermatophore is a smooth scythe shape, while in other species it is shaped otherwise, or spiny (Clausen, 1977). In females, the sixth visible segment of the abdomen, also known as a sternite, is short, broad, and much wider than the second sternite, with the seventh sternite being slightly shorter than the sixth.
Scientific Name
Ochthera mantis
Common Name
Mantis Fly
Habitat
Found primarily on sandy or muddy shores, with larvae being aquatic.
Seasonality
Depends on area collected, likely in the summer in Alberta.
Identification
Identifying individuals down to genus is fairly simple, due to their large raptorial forelegs. Identifying down to species level is more complicated though, due to the fact that Ochthera mantis was originally a…
Identifying individuals down to genus is fairly simple, due to their large raptorial forelegs. Identifying down to species level is more complicated though, due to the fact that Ochthera mantis was originally a complex of species (Clausen, 1977). This means that colour differences, and genital differences, especially on the males are key in identifying them. The head has no markings, and the tarsi of the front legs are a dark brown or a black colour. In the males, the aedeagus, which is a part of the genitalia that aids in delivering the spermatophore is a smooth scythe shape, while in other species it is shaped otherwise, or spiny (Clausen, 1977). In females, the sixth visible segment of the abdomen, also known as a sternite, is short, broad, and much wider than the second sternite, with the seventh sternite being slightly shorter than the sixth.
Diet Info
As with other members of Ochthera, O. mantis is carnivorous in nature. The adults feed on other insects, and the aquatic larvae feed on the larvae of other insects, especially chironimids.
Range
This species is found in the Northern Hemisphere only, and occurs mainly in the northern United States and throughout most of Canada, even into Alaska and the Yukon Territory. It has been found in Northern Europe as well.
Citation
Page Citation for Ochthera mantis
Page Citation
"Species Details - Ochthera mantis, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5831. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
References
Author
Clausen, P. J.
Title
A revision of the Nearctic, Neotropical, and Palaearctic species of the genus Ochthera, including one Ethiopian species, and one new species from India.
Publication Date
1977
Series Title
Transactions of the American Entomological Society
Volume
103
Pages
451-530
Specimen Information
There are 2 specimens of this Species.
UASM74171 - Ochthera mantis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Leduc
Collected ByLeggett, F.
Date Collected1976-09
UASM74172 - Ochthera mantis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Manitoba, Churchill
Collected ByRichards, R.
Date Collected1948-07-30