Description

Manipulator modificaputis, an ancient cockroach species, thrived in the Late Cretaceous. The holotype specimen of this creature is preserved within a Burmese amber fragment dating back 100 million years. This amber piece was discovered in a volcanic mudstone quarry situated at Noije Bum in the Hukawng Valley of Myanmar.

The cockroach displayed an elongated neck, a head capable of free rotation, and surprisingly lengthy legs, which suggested a predatorial way of life. However, recent observations in 2022 indicate that Manipulator tends to inhabit flower-rich environments and feed on them. Additionally, this insect shares certain characteristics with mantises on the surface, although it differs from them in many aspects. The insect's body measures 9.3 millimeters (0.37 in) in length, with male individuals having forewings that extend 14.7 millimeters (0.58 in), while females exhibit a body length of 10.9 millimeters (0.43 in) and forewings spanning 13.4 millimeters (0.53 in).