Callimantis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Callimantis antillarum |
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Callimantis antillarum is a fascinating type of mantis, often called a praying mantis. It belongs to a family of insects known as Epaphroditidae. What makes Callimantis antillarum special is that it's the only species in its entire group, or "genus," called Callimantis.
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Meet the Callimantis Mantis
Callimantis antillarum is a very old species of praying mantis. Its ancestors have been around for a very long time! Scientists study its history to understand how different mantis groups came to be.
Ancient Origins of Callimantis
About 107 million years ago, a supercontinent called Gondwanaland started to break apart. This huge landmass slowly split into the continents we know today. As Gondwanaland separated, it also caused different groups of animals to become separated.
This separation led to new species forming over millions of years. For the mantises, it meant that their family tree split into three main groups. These groups are Callimantis, Epaphrodita, and Gonatistacame. They are all found on islands in the Caribbean, which are sometimes called the Antilles.
What Makes Callimantis Unique?
Callimantis antillarum doesn't have many fancy features. It usually looks plain green. This simple appearance helps it blend in with its surroundings. Unlike some other mantises, it doesn't have special traits that would place it in a different group of mantises called Stagmomantinae. Its plain green color is its main distinguishing feature.
Images for kids
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A Callimantis antillarum mantis.
See also
- In Spanish: Callimantis para niños
