Stomatopod Images

The meral spread display in the smasher G. smithi. This threat display is used by stomatopods to deter attacks from other mantis shrimps. It involves an elevation of the cephalothorax (the head and "upper" body of the crustacean), and the lateral extension of its antennules and antennal scales. The animal also spreads its raptorial appendages in order to show the usually brightly-colored meral spots. Some stomatopod species and individuals use this feature to bluff their way out of trouble.