Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Formerly listed as Mantispa sayi--New World members of that genus have now been placed in separate genera (Hoffman, 2002).
Cannings and Cannings (2006) discuss the taxonomic issues in this species, which may be a group of related species--they were originally described as such under genus Mantispa:
uhleri--darker, east of Mississippi River and northern part of range, associated with deciduous forests
sayi--lighter, mostly west of Mississippi River and also in Florida, associated with open areas, i.e., prairie
fuscicornis--Florida, Texas
However Cannings and Cannings (2006) find the taxonomic evidence (cytology and anatomy of genitalia) for considering these groups to be a single species "compelling".
Identification
Note continuous dark patch near apex of fore-wing, this is interrupted in the similar
Dicromantispa interrupta. This species is also smaller than
interrupta, with unspotted wings. Said to have two color forms, brown and yellow
(1).
Range
Widespread across southern/central tier of United States: Connecticut south to Florida, west to Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, eastern Arizona. Found also, in extreme southwestern Ontario.
Print References
Marshall, photo 255.2 (yellow form) 255.3 (brown form)
(1)
Brimley, p. 29, notes from Raleigh, North Carolina in May--just twice
(2)
Cannings and Cannings, 2006. The Mantispidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) of Canada, with notes on morphology, ecology, and distribution. Can. Entomologist 138: 531-544 (
PDF).
Hoffman KM. 2002. Family Mantispidae. In: Penny ND, ed. A Guide to the Lacewings (Neuroptera) of Costa Rica. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 53(12): 161-457.
