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Say's Mantidfly

Say's Mantidfly

Dicromantispa sayi

A species of Dicromantispa

The Dicromantispa sayi is a mantidfly that is identified with brown veins in clear wings. They are reddish-brown with a light or dark streak that goes down their body. They are considered parasitic insects that can attack bees, wasps, or scarab beetles. The larvae hunts for any kind of spider egg with piercing and sucking mouthparts. 

General Info About Say's Mantidfly
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Attributes of Say's Mantidfly
Colors
Black
Green
Habitat
rural area in open area of mixed mesic wood
Adult Food Sources
Small arthropods such as aphids, small caterpillars, and leafhoppers
Larva Food Source
Eggs and larvae of spiders
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Say's Mantidfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Say's Mantidfly
It is found in the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America.
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Distribution Area of Say's Mantidfly
Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America
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Predators of Say's Mantidfly Larvae
Araneae (spiders), insectivorous birds, predacious insects (e.g., other mantispidae nymphs)
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Predators of Adult Say's Mantidfly
Araneae (spiders), aves (insectivorous birds), reptilia (geckos, lizards), insecta (other predatory insects), chiroptera (bats)
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Interesting Facts About Say's Mantidfly
Juvenile say's Mantidfly display an incredible feat by hitchhiking on wasps for transportation to the wasp's nest where they parasitize the host's offspring.
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Scientific Classification of Say's Mantidfly
Tips for Finding Say's Mantidfly
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Youth Habitat of Say's Mantidfly
On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Say's Mantidfly
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Say's Mantidfly
For adult say's Mantidfly, the best time to search is typically at dusk or dawn when they are most active. However, the larval stages may be found throughout the day if searching in the appropriate habitat.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Say's Mantidfly
Optimal weather for finding say's Mantidfly would consist of warm, dry conditions that are ideal for insect activity. Excessive heat, cold, or rain may drive say's Mantidfly to take shelter, making them harder to find.
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How and Where Can You Find Say's Mantidfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Say's Mantidfly eggs are often laid in clusters and can be found attached to vegetation, the eaves of buildings, or other structures that provide a secure, elevated surface. Look for tiny, elongated eggs that may be camouflaged against the substrate.
Larva Say's Mantidfly larvae are hypermetamorphic, with early instars resembling beetle larvae, which actively search for spider egg sacs to parasitize. Later instars have elongated, green or brown bodies that blend in with foliage, making them harder to spot. Searching for spider egg sacs or examining leaves and stems closely may lead you to these larvae.
Pupal Pupation of say's Mantidfly occurs in a silken cocoon that is often attached to plants or under bark. These can be found by examining crevices, under loose bark, or looking among dense foliage for the characteristic cocoon structure.
Adult Say's Mantidfly adults are active and agile flyers, resembling a cross between a praying mantis and a wasp. Spotting them involves visiting flowering plants, lights at night, or areas with a high insect population. They may be observed hunting or resting on plant stems or leaves.
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