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Insect Order Dictyoptera - cockroaches and
mantids
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Dictyoptera are described as variably sized insects with generally
filiform (long and thin) antennae usually composed of many small
segments. They have mandibulate or biting mouthparts and legs that are
roughly similar (except the Mantids which have raptorial forelegs), most
have 5 tarsi. Many species are winged and the forewings are generally
hardened into a tegmina while the hind wings are |
| often fan-like, the wing buds of the nymphs do not undergo reversal (i.e. the hind wings are
not folded back over |
| the forewings).
The genitalia of both sexes are
generally concealed, behind the 7th abdominal segment in the female and
behind the 9th in the male. Cerci are present and males bear a pair of
styles as well. No specialized stridulatory organs are present though
some Mantids do have a single ear on the metathorax which allows them to
hear the sonar of bats. The eggs are laid in an ootheca. |
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