Manticora latipennis

Manticora latipennis
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Cicindelidae
Genus: Manticora
Species:
M. latipennis
Binomial name
Manticora latipennis

Manticora latipennis is a species of tiger beetle native to South Africa,[1] Transvaal, Bechuanaland, Ngami and Damaraland in Africa.

Taxonomy

This species was the second to be described in the genus Manticora and was based on a single female specimen from Kurrichane, South Africa.[2]

Description

The head, thorax and abdomen of both adult males and females are black, occasionally reddish brown, and very glossy.[2] The legs and tarsi are black. The body length of males is 42–57 millimetres (1.7–2.2 in) and for females is 44–48 millimetres (1.7–1.9 in).

Feeding Habits

Manticora latipennis is a highly voracious predator, preying on small arthropods such as crickets. The larvae patiently wait for prey to come towards them while the adults actively pursue prey.

References

  1. ^ Oberprieler, Rolf G.; Arndt, Erik (2000). "On the biology of Manticora Fabricius (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae), with a description of the larva and taxonomic notes" (PDF). Tijdschrift voor Entomologie. 143 (1–2): 71–89. doi:10.1163/22119434-99900039. Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  2. ^ a b Mareš, Jaroslav (2002). Manticora: a monograph of the genus (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae, Manticorini). Taita Publishers. ISBN 978-8090273443.