Mantis I.D.

[Kharn]

G'day

My mate found another tiny tiny mantis in the Live Rock at work today so he bagged it and tagged then called me, however I have no clue as to what this one may be (mostly due to it being so small again...).

It's very small being maybe 10mm - 15mm long.

I like the color on this one and if it is a larger growing species I will endeavour to setup a small container for it temporarily inside one of the compartments of STAND A to ensure its survival (or at least prevent predation of other stomatopods).

If not well....It's going into my "Multi Mini Mantis Compartment" currently housing 2 tiny 10-20mm unknown (to me) species (not the G.T.'s they are in the top tank of STAND B).

Opinions wanted please! =D

It's the best pic I could get considering the size...the color pattern (specifically the carapace/head area) reminds me a lot of....L.lisa but seriously doubt it is an L.lisa....(my mind playing tricks on me xD). Not only that but I am pritty sure I saw some tiny hammers for dactyls.
http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/8900/newmantisid.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/newmantisid.jpg/)

Thanks for any help!

[Kharn]

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/7125/newmantisid2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/857/newmantisid2.jpg/)

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4097/newmantisid3.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/194/newmantisid3.jpg/)

[Kharn]

Rite now my best assumptions are that it belongs to the

Gonodactylellus group.

Mostly by looking at its telson and eyes.

[slosht]

I fail at this but my 3 guesses. I'm sure the good Dr. will pop in and tell us what it really is.

Gonodactylaceus graphurus
Gonodactylus childi

Gonodactylellus viridis

[zogg513]

It has some resemblance to this picture.

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/images/g_affinis1.jpg

A g. affinis maybe? But I don't see their distinctive band across the telson.

[Kharn]

Here are some of the distinguishing characteristics that I see in the animal.

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/5945/distinguishingfeatures.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/542/distinguishingfeatures.png/)

Starting with the Telson and working from end tip up.

There are 6 distinct sharp points on this species telson much like the image, with the "V" gap separating them being very similar (lacking teeth on its interior though like the picture). One of the most distinguishing parts that sticks out to me is the large, smooth round 'knob' above the 'V' which is VERY similar to what this 'red mantis' has, along with the 2 long but much slimmer smooth oval knobs. Finally there are 6 points/edges above the previously noted area, the 'red mantis' has the same amount and in the same design/shape.

As far as the eyes go, they share the same oval type shape.

Mostly in due to the mantis being so small that makes it so hard to I.D. without the rite 'equipment' (microscope be good xD).

[Steve C]

Looks awesome but I can't even guess at the species.

[Kharn]

Looks awesome but I can't even guess at the species.

I've laid it down to a def Gonondactyloid which means its going (or went) into the bottom left compartment of STAND A along with the other unknown tiny species about the same size and another unknown species of the same size, so the 3 tiny ones can duke it out and well we shall see who comes out on top and basically earn its keep of the compartment :D.

[Jacwil]

Awww Kharn that doesn't sound very nice for the losers bud!

Psssst! It's OK to not take every mantis in! ;)

[Kharn]

Awww Kharn that doesn't sound very nice for the losers bud!

Psssst! It's OK to not take every mantis in! ;)

Were talking about a 10mm mantis here lol...something the shop would of fed to there fish If I didn't take it. At least now it has a true fighting chance.

[Steve C]

You should set up a Pico stack, grow them on a bit then sell them on. I would love this red one. To bad I live a few thousand miles away. :(

[Kharn]

You should set up a Pico stack, grow them on a bit then sell them on. I would love this red one. To bad I live a few thousand miles away. :(

Thought about it and might do something like that setup maybe 12-18 really small 15x15x15cm cubes that I can maybe connect together in some sort of system xD

[mikebok]

Gonodactylellus for sure, but the various tiny species in that genus are tricky (for me) to distinguish. You're going to need Roy for the specific species.

[Kharn]

Gonodactylellus for sure, but the various tiny species in that genus are tricky (for me) to distinguish. You're going to need Roy for the specific species.

I assumed that much =) the distinguishing features (if any) separating each other might be easy to notice if it were slightly larger at say 25-50mm long, being so small its just so hard...

Thanks anyway for your comment mikebok I am an avid follower and reader of your Arthropoda site always enjoy reading it.

(Commented and questioned you on your article titled "The Beast's Lair" when you were searching/found a large L.maculata burrow).

For those unaware of his site this is it.
http://arthropoda.southernfriedscience.com/

[Gonodactylus]

It is most likely a G. affinis. Juveniles don't have the inflated carinae of adults, but everything else looks right. A key character is the pointy eyes.

Roy

[Kharn]

It is most likely a G. affinis. Juveniles don't have the inflated carinae of adults, but everything else looks right. A key character is the pointy eyes.

Roy

Thanks for the comment =)

As yours is the final nail in the coffin of guessing/assumptions

Cheers :lol2: