Neogonodactylus wennerae

Overview

Neogonodactylus wennerae is a gonodactylid mantis shrimp studied for telson mechanics. This terminal abdominal shield dissipated collision energy in controlled impacts on intermoult individuals, examined with micro-computed tomography. Taylor and Patek’s result concerns that experimental arrangement, not a universal percentage for strikes between living animals.

The shield has a domed dorsal surface and three longitudinal ridges. Thickened ridge cuticle provides stiffness while surrounding surfaces compress. Structural observations remain distinct from hypotheses about opponent assessment. Mounting and the surrounding medium affect interpretation; the experiment does not measure every aspect of a freely moving contest.

The Smithsonian records a female paratype collected off North Carolina at eighteen metres in 1981 and associates the name with Manning and Heard’s 1997 description. That preserved specimen anchors a documented occurrence and naming history. Its record does not establish the entire distribution or a fixed living colour. The profile concerns N. wennerae, without transferring measurements from superficially similar congeners.

Origins & earliest records

Extant named species; Manning and Heard’s 1997 description is a documentation milestone, not an evolutionary origin date.

Evidence & interpretation

Selected retained scientific and institutional passages.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Telson impact mechanics

   J. R. A. Taylor and S. N. Patek

2. 02

   Neogonodactylus wennerae paratype

   Smithsonian Institution

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary research articleTelson impact mechanicsResearch access: 2026-10-11
2. Museum specimen record; CC0 metadataNeogonodactylus wennerae paratypeResearch access: 2026-10-11

Image credits

Modern AI interpretation of a three-ridged telson.

Modern AI interpretation of the three-ridged telson; fine cuticle texture and presentation schematic.