Evolutionary relic or a curious coincidence? A mantisfly emerging from a mud-dauber nest

Abstract

Mantispoidea exhibit a remarkably diverse morphology and life history for a relatively small group of insects, in part, complicating our understanding of its evolutionary history. Dietary specialisation of the larvae, however, seems to have played an important evolutionary role in this group. Symphrasinae (Rhachiberothidae) larvae are thought to be predators of aculeate Hymenoptera brood, while Mantispinae (Mantispidae) larvae are predators of spider eggs. Herewith the first observation of a Mantispinae adult emerging from the nest of a mud-dauber wasp (Sphecidae) is described. This is also the first genus record of Afromantispa Snyman & Ohl from the Oriental Region, including three new name combinations. The curious coincidence of a Mantispinae emerging from an aculeate wasp nest, the food source of a related taxon, is discussed in the light of our current understanding of Mantispoidea classification.