Metallyticidae

The mantis family Metallyticidae consists of a single small genus, Metallyticus, living mostly in South-East Asia. The species are dark, somewhat flattened and cockroach-like, often with a cuticle that is reflective and metallic in appearance.[1][2]

Metallyticidae
Metallyticus splendidus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Mantodea
Family:	Metallyticidae Handlirsch, 1925
Genus:	Metallyticus Westwood, 1835
Species
see text

The phylogenetic position of Metallyticidae relative to other mantis families has been studied using both morphological and molecular characters, but consensus on its placement has not been achieved.[3] Along with the genera Chaeteessa and Mantoida, Metallyticus is considered a member of the basal Mantodea,[3] though some scientists consider the application of this term to extant species to be misleading.[4] Metallyticidae species have several autapomorphic traits, including their metallic coloration and the enlarged spine on their front legs. They also have many plesiomorphic traits, including a relatively short pronotum and full wings in both sexes.[3]

Of the five species, M. splendidus and M. violaceus are the most abundant. Most specimens for scientific study have been found in Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula.[3]

Species in this family are distinct from other mantises in their method of prey capture; Metallyticus species typically dart to capture prey, remaining close to the ground, rather than waiting to ambush. These species are usually found in or under bark of decaying trees.[3]