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Mantophasmatodea (Heelwalkers):
biology
In the winter rainfall area of South Africa
the eggs hatch after the first autumn rains. Late rains produce late hatchings.
Juveniles develop during the wet winter months and reach adulthood in spring
(September/October). The adults mate, lay eggs and die within a couple of weeks. The
egg stage survives the dry summer months within a very resistant egg pod that is
made of sand granules cemented together with some water resistant glue. Each egg
pod has approximately 12 large eggs, and each female is capable of laying
several of these pods. The pods are laid fairly superficially, often close to a
grass tussock. The first instar nymphs hatch the following year in May, or later
if the autumn rains are delayed. In Namibia the nymphs develop during the wet
summer months (March and April) reaching adulthood in autumn (May).
Mating pair of Karoophasma
biedouwensis (photo © Mike Picker) |
Karoophasma
biedouwensis ovipositing (photo © Mike Picker) |
Karoophasma
biedouwensis : first instar nymph from Wolfdrift, hatched in May (photo © Mike Picker) |
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Web page development and text by Simon
van Noort (Iziko South African Museum) and Mike
Picker (University of Cape Town) |