Bistanta campestris
This record describes Bistanta campestris (species). Recorded family: Thespidae. Recorded order: Mantodea.
Identification and Appearance
Slender; small conical projections or bumps above each eye (not always easily seen, depending on perspective); front tibiae very short; pronotum with portion behind attachment of front legs about twice the length of portion in front (proportions may be distorted in photos, also due to perspective). Thesprotia & Oligonicella are most similar, differing in proportions of pronotum. Oligonicella is stockier with front and back of pronotum about equal. Thesprotia is very slender and has the rear portion of the pronotum about three to four times longer than the front portion. Helfer notes that front femur is very slender and that the female is wingless.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on flowers; comes to lights .
Geographic Range
s. TX and NE Mex. (see page 21 of Anderson 2022)
About Mantids: the wider group
Order-level background for Mantodea, the group containing Bistanta campestris. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Mantodea (praying mantises) includes ~2,400 described species in 430 genera. The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head 180 degrees to look over its shoulder.
Ecological role of the group
Mantises are apex insect predators with lightning-fast strike speeds - they can catch prey in as little as 50-70 milliseconds. Some species catch hummingbirds and small lizards. Female mantises sometimes practice sexual cannibalism, consuming the male during or after mating in about 25% of encounters.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Mantises are sold commercially as garden pest control. The Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) was introduced to the U.S. in 1896 for pest control and is now established across the eastern United States.
Recorded sources for this group: Smithsonian, entomology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Bistanta campestris (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Joshua Stuart Rose , Mike Quinn , David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Bistanta campestris
What is Bistanta campestris?
Bistanta campestris is a species in the family Thespidae, within the order Mantodea.
How big is Bistanta campestris?
32-45 mm
How do you identify Bistanta campestris?
Slender; small conical projections or bumps above each eye (not always easily seen, depending on perspective); front tibiae very short; pronotum with portion behind attachment of front legs about twice the length of portion in front (proportions may be distorted in photos, also due to perspective). Thesprotia & Oligonicella are most similar, differing in proportions of pronotum. Oligonicella is stockier with front and back of pronotum about equal. Thesprotia is very slender and has the rear portion of the pronotum about three to four times longer than the front portion. Helfer notes that front femur is very slender and that the female is wingless.
Where is Bistanta campestris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on flowers; comes to lights . |
| Range | s. TX and NE Mex. (see page 21 of Anderson 2022) |