Student Discovers New "Bush Tiger" African Praying Mantis Species
Riley Tedrow is part of a research team led by Dr. Gavin Svenson
Dystacta tigrifrutex, a new species of praying mantis from Rwanda, Africa, is named for this female specimen. The wingless female insect’s hunting methods inspired the species name, which means “bush tiger.” © Gavin Svenson, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The egg case (ootheca) of Dystacta tigrifrutex, a new species of praying mantis discovered in Rwanda, Africa. © Gavin Svenson, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
This large-winged male Dystacta tigrifrutex, a new species of African praying mantis was discovered in a mountainous forest in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, Africa. © Gavin Svenson, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Riley Tedrow (far right) of Case Western Reserve University and Dr. Gavin Svenson (left of Tedrow) of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History using a metal halide light trap in Rwanda, Africa, to attract praying mantises at night. © Gavin Svenson, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
A canopy tower in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, Africa, near the site where the new “Bush Tiger” species of praying mantis was discovered. © Gavin Svenson, Cleveland Museum of Natural History