← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 25 · Hemimetabolous
Heelwalkers / Gladiators
Mantophasmatodea
~20
Described species
~3
Families
Introduction
Described in 2002 — the newest insect order. Initially known only from museum specimens before live populations were found in Namibia.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Wingless. Predatory. Walk on the heels of their feet with the last tarsal segment lifted. Endemic to southern Africa. Most recently described insect order (2002).
Etymology
Mantodea + Phasmatodea (resembles both)
Wings
Wingless
Diet
Predator
Habitat
Terrestrial
Notable examples
Mantophasma zephyra.
Where to look