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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