Lysiosquillidae


The Lysiosquillidae or banded mantis shrimps are a family of mantis shrimp, comprising some of the largest known mantis shrimp species. The most common and best known species is Lysiosquillina maculata, the zebra mantis shrimp.

Natural history

Like all mantis shrimps, banded mantis shrimps dig burrows in the sea floor. Banded mantis shrimp burrows are relatively deep, descending vertically into soft substrate. Unlike other clades, however, they rarely leave their burrows, preferring to ambush their prey from the safety of their homes.

Genera

Lysiosquilla Dana, 1852 Lysiosquillina Manning, 1995 Lysiosquilloides Manning, 1977

Interactions with humans

If banded mantis shrimp leave their burrows, they may be at risk to be caught by artisnal fishers, trawls, or night lights.