Thespis parva
This record describes Thespis parva (species). Recorded family: Thespidae. Recorded order: Mantodea.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
SC‒FL to NE‒TX‒NM into Mexico
Seasonal Activity
seen mostly later in season
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males come to lights
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thespis parva (Gmelin 1790) complex
About Mantids: the wider group
Order-level background for Mantodea, the group containing Thespis parva. 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 Thespis parva (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Chuck Entz , David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Thespis parva
How big is Thespis parva?
26‒40 mm
Where is Thespis parva found?
Range: SC‒FL to NE‒TX‒NM into Mexico
When is Thespis parva active?
Thespis parva: seasonal activity - seen mostly later in season.
What is the life cycle of a Thespis parva?
Males come to lights