ItalianTermiteMan
Arachnosquire
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2023
- Messages
- 146
Here we have a pinned male of Manticora latipennis from my entomological collection, an African tiger beetle (family Cicindelidae) equipped with impressive falciform mandibles.
The species of the genus Manticora are by far the largest of tiger beetles and the males of all species are equipped with a huge pair of strongly asymmetrical mandibles, which despite their frightening appearance are used to clasp on the hard-to-grip body of females (which are much less "endowed" as far as mandibles are concerned, but not less effective hunters) during mating. Both sexes sport fused elytra and as such cannot fly.
Unlike most tiger beetles, which are day-active, Manticora is a nocturnal predator that thanks to its size can feed not only on other invertebrates but also on small vertebrates. Apparently, in several rural African traditions these beetles are seen as a malevolent creatures that bring bad omens, which is not so surprising seeing their intimidating aspect.
Specimen origin: Ntandi, Masasi Mtwara, Tanzania.
The male M. latipennis on my hand... look at the enormity of this Cicindelidae!
A closer look at the impressive mandibles of the same male. As mentioned before, such massive and strongly asymmetrical mandibles are a
prerogative of males, with females (while just as fierce as their counterparts when hunting) sporting more "normal-looking" ones.
The species of the genus Manticora are by far the largest of tiger beetles and the males of all species are equipped with a huge pair of strongly asymmetrical mandibles, which despite their frightening appearance are used to clasp on the hard-to-grip body of females (which are much less "endowed" as far as mandibles are concerned, but not less effective hunters) during mating. Both sexes sport fused elytra and as such cannot fly.
Unlike most tiger beetles, which are day-active, Manticora is a nocturnal predator that thanks to its size can feed not only on other invertebrates but also on small vertebrates. Apparently, in several rural African traditions these beetles are seen as a malevolent creatures that bring bad omens, which is not so surprising seeing their intimidating aspect.
Specimen origin: Ntandi, Masasi Mtwara, Tanzania.
The male M. latipennis on my hand... look at the enormity of this Cicindelidae!
A closer look at the impressive mandibles of the same male. As mentioned before, such massive and strongly asymmetrical mandibles are a
prerogative of males, with females (while just as fierce as their counterparts when hunting) sporting more "normal-looking" ones.
