| Comment number: |
|
1 |
| By: |
|
Mervyn Mansell |
| Comment: |
|
This is probably an undescribed species, so not possible ti identify further at thsi stage. Mantispids have a unique biology in that the larvae are parasitic on spider's egg sacs where they feed on eggs and spiderlings. The eggs, laid in large batches, hatch into a triungulin larvae that seeks out a spider and is carried back to the nest. Once in the nest, the larva undergoes a hypermetamorphosis and cannot move elsewhere. Pupation takes place in a silken cocoon in the nest. Mantispidae are fairly rare in the western Cape. |
| Date: |
|
2018-10-31 18:38:55 |
| Species name: |
|
FAMILY Mantispidae -- Unidentified Mantispidae |
| Species code: |
|
326160 |
|
