Rivetina baetica

Classification and Distribution

Rivetina baetica is a species of mantis that inhabits the southern Mediterranean area, including South Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Physical Characteristics

The body length of adult females ranges from 47–60 mm, while males are smaller. The forewings of males reach lengths of 29–42 mm, whereas those of females are shorter at 16–24 mm. The body is typically grey with a weak pattern, and the eyes are crossed by a brightly banded black middle strip.

Morphology

The trapping legs of Rivetina baetica are very thick, even on the coxae, which are elongated and represent the first link of the trapping legs. The sides of the neck shield have a dark midline and are toothed, particularly in females. Males have well-developed wings that reach the tip of their abdomen, whereas females have shortened, trimmed forewings.

Regional Variations

In Western Anatolia and Greece, males exhibit a unique characteristic where their elytres (forewings) only make up about 2/3 of their abdomen length or are even shorter. The rear wing end features a large eye spot, and the abdomen has some sparse hair-like structures.

Notes

The species is smaller than the largest European mantis species but falls within the medium-sized category.