Which order is characterized by large raptorial front legs and a triangular head?

Which order is characterized by large raptorial front legs and a triangular head?

• A. Dermaptera
• B. Grylloblattodea
• C. Mantodea
• D. Blattodea

Answer: (C)

The feature being tested is the specialized forelegs used for catching prey and a distinctly triangular head, both hallmarks of mantises. In the order Mantodea, the front pair of legs is enlarged and modified into grasping weapons with spines on the femur and tibia to seize and hold prey firmly. The head is usually triangular and highly movable, giving the mantis a wide field of view and precise aiming as it ambushes or stalks prey. These traits together are characteristic of mantises. Dermaptera (earwigs) have pincers at the end of the abdomen, not raptorial front legs. Blattodea (cockroaches and termites) are broad, flattened-bodied insects without these grasping forelegs. Grylloblattodea (rock crawlers) are small, primitive, wingless insects lacking the distinctive raptorial forelegs and triangular head pattern.

The feature being tested is the specialized forelegs used for catching prey and a distinctly triangular head, both hallmarks of mantises. In the order Mantodea, the front pair of legs is enlarged and modified into grasping weapons with spines on the femur and tibia to seize and hold prey firmly. The head is usually triangular and highly movable, giving the mantis a wide field of view and precise aiming as it ambushes or stalks prey. These traits together are characteristic of mantises.

Dermaptera (earwigs) have pincers at the end of the abdomen, not raptorial front legs. Blattodea (cockroaches and termites) are broad, flattened-bodied insects without these grasping forelegs. Grylloblattodea (rock crawlers) are small, primitive, wingless insects lacking the distinctive raptorial forelegs and triangular head pattern.