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Order: Mantophasmatodea (Heelwalkers): sexual dimorphism

The most obvious differences between the sexes lies in the structure of the external genitalia. The female has a complicated ovipositor, while the male has internal phallic structures, and well developed cerci which are used as claspers. The female abdomen is widest in the middle (where the ovaries are situated) in contrast to the male, which has an abdomen that is widest near the tip. Males are considerably smaller and always more slender than females.

Karoophasma_biedouwensis

Karoophasma biedouwensis - Mating pair. 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).