European dwarf mantis

Appearance

''Ameles spallanzania'' can reach a length of 18–40 millimetres . Their colour may be brown, green, ocher or grey. The eyes are slightly pointed, antennae are threadlike, the pronotum is short and squared and the broad abdomen of the females is commonly curled upwards. This very small mantid is characterized by an evident sexual dimorphism. The males are winged and have a quite slender body, while females show stubby bodies and are unable to fly, as they possess only small wing vestiges .

Naming

The species name ''spallanzania'' honors the italian naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani.

Distribution

This species can be found in the Mediterranean area, from Morocco to Greece and from southern Europe to northern Africa .

Behavior

This thermophile species shows adaptable life-cycle strategies in different latitudes, as hatching earlier, more than one generation per year or overwintering nymphs or oothecae. Adults can be found from late spring to late summer, depending on the latitude. Nymphs usually hatch in July and the ootheca is commonly laid in September.

Similarly to the common ''Mantis religiosa'' the females may cannibalise the males whilst mating.

Habitat

These mantids prefer sparse low vegetation in warm, dry places.