Insect Order Dictyoptera - cockroaches
and mantids
Dictyoptera are described as variably
sized insects with generally filiform (long and thin) antennae usually
composed of many small segments. They have mandibulate or biting mouthparts
and legs that are roughly similar (except the Mantids which have raptorial
forelegs), most have 5 tarsi. Many species are winged and the forewings
are generally hardened into a tegmina while the hind wings are often fan-like,
the wing buds of the nymphs do not undergo reversal (i.e. the hind wings
are not folded back over the forewings). The genitalia of both
sexes are generally concealed, behind the 7th abdominal segment in the
female and behind the 9th in the male. Cerci are present and males bear
a pair of styles as well. No specialized stridulatory organs are present
though some Mantids do have a single ear on the metathorax which allows
them to hear the sonar of bats. The eggs are laid in an ootheca.