18-Scorpii-4 Fauna: Carnivorous Hexapods

Among the hexapods of 18Scorpii, one group appears to have undergone specific evolutionary adaptation for predation at different levels of the food chain. This evolution is manifested by the modification of their forelegs into monodactyl raptor-like limbs. It is also worth noting that their morphology demonstrates a striking convergence of evolution, resulting in strong similarities to terrestrial carnivorous mammals such as canids and felids.
Although it is now clear that not all animals in this group are consistently associated with the three words used to create their temporary code name, it has been decided to retain it until the taxonomic name is validated through scientific consensus.
Their code name is therefore: "CMV" for Carnivora-Mantodea-Vespid (Carnivora to denote their morphological similarity to terrestrial mammals; Mantodae for the distinctive shape of their forelegs; and Vespid in relation to wasps, due to the resemblance of these animals' abdomens).
By the way, the proposed taxonomic name for this group is: KAMAKIRIPODA ("Kamakiri" [Japanese] = Mantis; "Poda" [Greek] = Foot/Leg).
Like the caniforms and feliforms of Earth, these animals are divided into two morphologies (primarily cranial).
The first subgroup of "long-jawed CMVs" undoubtedly possesses the largest apex predators on the planet. Nicknamed "Managarm" (in reference to the giant wolves of Norse mythology), these predators attack a wide variety of prey, both smaller and larger than themselves. Their hunting technique is similar to that of large solitary felines, despite their giant wolf appearance. Anatomically, they are easily recognizable by their size, their armored backs lacking skin, and their often very elongated forelegs.
The second subgroup of "long-jawed CMVs" was placed at this level of classification because, although it shares many similarities with the third subgroup of "long-jawed CMVs,", but its forelegs do not appear to have perfected the raptorial morphology like the third subgroup. The species described here is a desert predator that feeds primarily on arthropods and small animals, much like desert foxes or fennec foxes, hence their nickname: "Mantid Fox."
The third and final subgroup of "long-jawed CMVs" was among the first animals described during the first natural history expedition. Almost immediately dubbed "Mantis Wolf," these animals clearly demonstrated the concept of convergent evolution under similar environmental conditions and ecological niches. Behaving like a pack of Earth wolves, these animals organize coordinated hunts, using signals via their dorsal integument, which is colored on its underside.
As for the "short-jawed CMVs," the first subgroup appears to have adapted to predation in forest ecological niches. Nicknamed "Tree Cat," these predators seem to have evolved agile, clawed limbs that allow them to move both in the canopy and on the forest floor. They are also recognizable by the particular way they position their raptorial paws close to their head, seemingly designed to maximize attack speed.
Finally, the last subgroup, the "short-jawed CMVs," is characterized by a morphology very similar to the big cats of Earth. Currently, only one species has been described, and its feline appearance hasn't really earned it a memorable nickname. Similar to a cheetah or a caracal, this predator hunts medium-sized animals, using camouflage and speed to seize its prey with raptorial paws specifically adapted for this technique. Interestingly, this animal's telson is shaped like a shark's tail and appears to help stabilize it while running.