Invertebrates
Ground Mantis
Litaneutria minor · also called ground mantises, minor ground mantis
Across a stretch of bare, dusty ground in the arid West, a ground mantis darts after a beetle, its mottled coloring blending so closely with the soil that it seems to appear out of nowhere the moment it moves.
Overview
The ground mantis, Litaneutria minor, is a small predatory insect native to arid grassland and desert habitat across a range of the western United States. Its unusual ground-hunting behaviour, effective soil-toned camouflage, and fast running speed make it one of the more distinctive mantis species found in North America.
A mantis that abandoned the ambush
While most mantis species wait motionless on plants for prey to wander close, the ground mantis has instead built its entire hunting strategy around speed and camouflage across open, bare terrain.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and stable across suitable arid grassland and desert habitat throughout the western United States.
Ground Mantis: common questions
How is the ground mantis different from most other mantis species?
Unlike most mantis species, which hunt from perches on plants using an ambush strategy, this species hunts directly on bare, open ground, relying on mottled camouflage and fast running speed rather than a stationary ambush position among vegetation.
How does the ground mantis avoid predators?
This species relies primarily on mottled grey and brown coloring that blends closely with the bare soil, dust, and gravel of its arid habitat, making it difficult for predators to spot even at close range, combined with a fast running speed to escape when detected.
Can ground mantises fly?
Male ground mantises are capable of stronger flight than females, which tend to have reduced flight ability and rely more heavily on running across open ground to move between locations or escape threats.
Where does the ground mantis live?
This species is native to arid grassland and desert habitat across a range of the western United States, hunting directly on the bare, open soil characteristic of these dry environments rather than among dense vegetation.