Family: Insanusmelodiae

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Insanusmelodiae are one of the smallest families of the order Mantodae.

Their distinctive characteristics include loud and often odd vocalizations and the very distinctive fast and erratic movements. The combination of these 2 primary behavioural characteristics is what gives them their latinized name.

Their feeding behaviour often involves stalking their prey for long periods of time and setting traps for their prey (although the latter rarely seems to produce results and is perhaps just a vestigial behaviour).

A recognisable and perhaps most peculiar aspect of the Insanusmelodiae’s behaviour is their clumsiness. They often meet their end under a falling stone or twig, or after falling from a long drop. Their wings, also vestigial, can produce enough uplift to keep them in the air for a moment or two before they fall.