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Alex Wild

The wasp mantisfly, Climaciella brunnea, is not a wasp, a mantis, or a fly. It is instead a type of spider-eating lacewing that keeps itself safe by looking like it has a painful sting, which it does not.

Evolution continues to be marvelous.

@alexwild what a wild specimen and a stunning shot! Where was this taken?

@matthewactual this was at McKinney Roughs nature park in central Texas.

@alexwild Awesome picture - and I learned something new!

@ferdinand @alexwild
In Österreich (und hauptsächlich im Mittelmeergebiet) gibt es sogar eine ähnliche Art, wenn auch sehr, sehr selten, den Steirischen Fanghaft (Mantispa styriaca). Saß im Seewinkel auf dem Auto, als wir von einem Aussichtsturm runterkamen. Do hamma vielleicht gschaut 😲

In Austria, and mainly in the Mediterranean Region, there is a similar species, the Styrian praying lacewing. I've seen it once with my own eyes, and was very astonished.

@Monedula @alexwild Im Seewinkel? Da muss ich die Augen offen halten, weil da bin ich recht gerne zum Vogel-Fotografieren 🙂

@jstatepost well, they *are* all arthropods. That's kinda related, Mr Nuts. 😁

@alexwild Fascinating to see convergent evolution.

@alexwild Whoa! That is wild!

Sorrycouldntresistthepun