Ornate Derbid vs Yellow Mantidfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ornate Derbid Yellow Mantidfly
Scientific Name Cedusa ornata Leptomantispa pulchella
Order Hemiptera Neuroptera
Family Derbidae Mantispidae
Size 4-7 mm 14-20 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southeastern United States, Caribbean Central America, Northern South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ornate Derbid

A tiny planthopper with delicate wings featuring intricate brown patterning. Adults have characteristically elongated wings that extend well beyond the body.

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Did You Know?

The switch from fungal feeding as nymphs to plant sap feeding as adults represents one of the most dramatic dietary shifts in the insect world.

Yellow Mantidfly

A delicate yellow mantidfly found in tropical Central and South America. Its slender build and pale coloring provide camouflage among flowers.

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Did You Know?

Its yellow coloring helps it blend in among tropical flowers where it waits to ambush visiting insects.