Iridescent Bark Mantis

Metallyticus splendidus

The spectacular metallic colours of this species are very unusual for a mantis. Also atypical is the wide front femur armed with a large, dagger-like spine. The position of Metallyticus in the mantis tree of life is not yet clear, but its short body and other features resemble some primitive fossil species.

Collector and date not recorded
Malaysia

Museum collecting practices have changed significantly over the centuries. Today, strict procedures determine what can be legally and ethically collected, and detailed information about the origin of material and its collector must be recorded with the objects. The lack of any such information for this mantis is indicative of how, historically, there were few or no restrictions on collecting and importing specimens.