Mantisfly Strange Insect

 I found this Wasp Mantisfly on a flower at Springbrook recently.  It is not a fly or a mantis or a wasp, but is related to the lacewings and similar predatory insects.  It is small, on the head of a Black Eyed Susan here, but fierce looking with a temper to match.

Its colors mimic a paper wasp, but its front legs and head are very mantis like. And any small bug that it catches in its front legs is dinner for sure.

Evolution's adaptive characteristics make for some fascinating creations in nature.