Liturgusa maya
This record describes Liturgusa maya (species). Recorded family: Liturgusidae. Recorded order: Mantodea.
Identification and Appearance
parthenogenetic in FL, although both males and females known from the native range
Wikipedia reference for Liturgusa maya: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgusa_maya.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Mantodea (Mantids)
- Family
- Liturgusidae
- Genus
- Liturgusa (Lichen Mantises)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually on tree trunks. In highly urbanized areas in FL, also on wooden posts/fences
Geographic Range
Neotropical, recently introduced to south FL and known from a few parks in Broward Co.
Seasonal Activity
Adults and nymphs year-round in FL
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Liturgusa maya Saussure & Zehntner 1894
About Mantids: the wider group
Order-level background for Mantodea, the group containing Liturgusa maya. 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 Liturgusa maya (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by metrioptera; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Liturgusa maya
What is Liturgusa maya?
Liturgusa maya is a species in the family Liturgusidae, within the order Mantodea.
Where is Liturgusa maya found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually on tree trunks. In highly urbanized areas in FL, also on wooden posts/fences |
| Range | Neotropical, recently introduced to south FL and known from a few parks in Broward Co. |
When is Liturgusa maya active?
Liturgusa maya: seasonal activity - Adults and nymphs year-round in FL.