Wasp Mantid Fly
The Wasp Mantidfly (Climaciella brunnea) is an insect that looks like a cross between a Praying Mantis and a Polistes Wasp. It is not related to either but is in the order Neuroptera along with the Common Lacewing and the Antlion.
Wasp Mantid fly profile
Like the Praying Mantis it uses its front legs to catch other insects. I found it on a Common Milkweed hunting insects visiting the flowers. It is reported to feed on nectar.
The adults last only about a month. They lay several thousand short stalked eggs that hang under plant leaves looking like pins with heads. After hatching, the larva drops onto a passing spider and waits for it to lay its eggs. The larva enters the spiders egg mass and feeds on the eggs. This particular species of Mantidfly develops on Wolf Spider eggs.
I have only found one Mantidfly. It was near Grayling, Michigan along my favorite mile of road. They are widespread in Michigan but short lived. This is a species that I will look for in the future.
Copyright 2014 by Donald Drife
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Saw one in East Lansing today. Thought it was a wasp and look closer, as we were inside behind glass, and it had the upper body of a praying mantis. Glad I fould this post to know what my son and I saw. Took a picture but not great as it was through glass.
My 8 year I’d just caught one in Clawson, MI. I never knew such an insect existed in Michigan! It was pretty cute grabbing rain droplets with its front arms.
They are so cool. I wish I’d find one again.
A friend found one in Kalamazoo Mi today.
I found one in my garden today! Metamora, MI!
Cool!
I saw one the swim platform of my boat as we were getting ready venture out on lake Erie at Sterling State park in Monroe MI. I had to do a double take when I saw it. A first for me. Cool little bugger.
Just saw one in Deer River MN