Platycalymma annulicornis Roy & Svenson, 2011, n. sp.
Creators: name: Roy, Roger
name: Svenson, Gavin J.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2011
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Mantodea
Iridopterygidae
Platycalymma
Platycalymma annulicornis

description: Platycalymma annulicornis, n. sp.
Examined specimens. Madagascar. Holotype 3—Antsiranana, forêt de Binara, 7.5 km 230 deg. SW Daraina, elev. 375 m, 13°15’18”S 49°37’00”E, general collecting, tropical dry forest, coll.: B.L. Fisher (Locality P.a.1), collection code BLF9555, CASLOT 0 39125, genitalia prep. 0 0 0 0 0 5 Svenson (CAS); Allotype Ƥ—Diego Suarez, G. Benard, 1907 (Locality P.a.2) (MNHN).
Diagnosis. Middle sized for the genus. Most similar to P. latipennis, but distinguished based on the easily recognized annulate antennae (color banding alternating from dark to light) present in males and moderately so in females while P. latipennis males have all black antennae. The forewings are strongly reticulate, particularly in the
costal region, which is rather wide. Males have 12 external and 11 internal foretibial spines while females have 12–
14 external and 11–12 internal foretibial spines.
Description. Male. (Fig. 3 A) Length measurement from head to tip of abdomen 21 mm, of forewings 23 mm, of
hindwings 22 mm, of pronotum 4.0 mm; width of pronotum 2.9 mm, of head 3.9 mm, of costal region of forewings
2.0 mm.
Head (Fig. 5 A): Overall shape of head triangular. Vertex concave medially with area between parietal sutures and eyes convex, forming juxtaocular bulges that fit within the profile of the head, which leads to a smooth transition from the vertex across the juxtaocular bulges and into the eyes. Eyes only bulging slightly outside the triangular perimeter of the head. The lower margin of the frontal sclerite is concave. The clypeus smaller than in other species and highly transverse with lateral margins converging strongly towards lower margin; lower margin narrow and strongly concave with a pronounced medial lip. Sculpting is present across clypeus and labrum. The labrum is proportionately smaller than in other species with a triangulate terminus. The antennae are 21 mm in length, with the two first segments pale, then 11 segments being spotted after which they alternate from pale to black, all narrowing to the apex; in total, more than 40 black bands are present across the antennae.
Pronotum (Fig. 6 G): The length/width ratio is 1.95 with strongly constricted margins in the metazone. Metazone is about 1.52 times longer than the prozone. Entirely pale coloration.
Legs: Length measurement of forecoxae 5.5 mm, of forefemora 7.5 mm, of foretibiae 5 mm, of mesofemora 7 mm, of mesotibiae 5.5 mm, of metafemora and metatibiae 7.5 mm. The forelegs are entirely pale; the meso- and metathoracic legs pale as in forelegs.
Wings: Forewings almost completely hyaline with a strongly broadened and highly reticulate costal region; veins are distinctly pigmented brown in the basal two-thirds and pale in the distal third. Hindwings are entirely hyaline with pale veins.
Abdomen (Fig. 7 D): Thin abdomen with a truncate subgenital plate that is emarginated medially at the terminus; small styli.
Genitalia (Fig. 10 A): Right epiphallus with apophysis hardened and smooth forming an acute angle, with internally facing sides parallel. Left epiphallus with marked granulation on the terminus of a strongly sclerotized titillator. Pseudophallus with granulation and a terminal digitation oriented at ninety degrees or less to central axis; a number of small tubercles present on the surface and margins. Hypophallus with pronounced granulation on the distal margin, forming a discrete region appearing as a convex bulb with numerous large sized tubercles, granulation, and sculpting that creates slight depressions in the central part of the bulb. The medial region of the left margin of the hypophallus with pronounced granulation forming a rough patch that extends proximally where it terminates abruptly after extending beyond the general margin of the hypophallus; region proximal to the termination of granulated gently sloping proximally.
Description. Female. (Fig. 3 B) Length measurement from head to tip of abdomen 26 mm, of forewings 20 mm, of
hindwings 19 mm, of pronotum 6.0 mm; width of pronotum 3.0 mm, of head 4.4 mm, of costal region of forewings
3.1 mm.
Head (Fig. 5 B): Overall shape of head triangular. Vertex as in males. Eyes only bulging slightly outside the triangular perimeter of the head. The lower margin of the frontal sclerite is concave. The clypeus of normal size and lower margin slightly concave with a pronounced medial lip. Slight sculpting is present across clypeus and labrum. The labrum with a rounded lower margin. The antennae are annulate.
Pronotum (Fig. 6 H): Slightly more elongate than males with a length/width ratio of 2.0 and a metazone 1.56 times longer than prozone. Colored as in males with strongly constricted margins in the metazone.
Legs: Length measurement of forecoxae 6 mm, of forefemora 7.5 mm, of foretibiae 5.5 mm, of mesofemora 6.5 mm, of mesotibiae 5 mm, of metafemora 7 mm, and of metatibiae 7.5 mm. The forelegs are entirely pale; the meso- and metathoracic legs pale as in forelegs.
Wings: Forewings with an opaque costal region and a slightly hyaline, translucent discoidal region; veins are pale brown. Costal region of forewing very broad and widely reticulate with thickened veins. Hindwings are hyaline with veins pigmented brown in the costal region and in the anterior portion of the discoidal region.
Abdomen: Moderately broad with short lateral lobes.
Etymology. Named for the strong characteristic of the annulate male antennae, which serves as the primary feature
to diagnose the species.
Platycalymma mahafalica, n. sp.
Examined specimens. Madagascar. Holotype 3, 2 Paratype 3, and Allotype Ƥ—Sud, Plateau Mahafaly, 11/ 12 km Ouest d’Ankalirano, 250 m, 14/ 17–1–1974, P. Viette & A. Peyrieras (Locality P.m.1), genitalia prep. 0 0 0 148 Svenson, 3912 Roy, 4053 Roy (MNHN); 1 Ƥ—Plateau Mahafaly, I–1966, Paul Griveaud (Locality P.m.2) (MNHN); 1 3—Toliara Province, Parc Nat. d’Andohahela, Forêt d’Ambohibory, 1.7 km 61° ENE Tsimelahy, 36.1 km 308° NW Tolagnaro, 16–20 I 2002, 24°55’48” S 46°38’44”E, coll. Fisher, Griswold et al., at light, in tropical dry forest, elev. 300 m (Locality P.m.3), code: BLF4919, CASENT 3006179, genitalia prep. 3955 Roy (CAS).
Diagnosis. The smallest species of the genus and is most similar to P. b e f a s i c a. It can be distinguished from P. befasica based on its smaller size, its southeastern distribution, the male genitalia, and the absence of the medial bulge on the vertex of the male head. Similar to P. b e f a s i c a, the male head markedly more transverse than in other species. Both sexes have 11–13 external and 10–12 internal foretibial spines.
Description. Male. (Fig. 3 C) Length measurement from head to tip of abdomen 17–22 mm, of forewings 16–18 mm, of pronotum 4.0– 4.3 mm; width of pronotum 2.0– 2.2 mm, of head 3.7–3.8 mm, of costal region of forewings 1.6–1.8 mm.
Head (Fig. 5 C): Overall shape of head squat (markedly transverse) as seen in P. b e f a s i c a. Vertex slightly concave; area between parietal sutures and eyes strongly convex, forming pronounced juxtaocular bulges that form slight peaks; upper margin of eyes adjoining juxtaocular bulge with a nearly right angle. The eyes are bulbous and less elongate, bulging outside the triangular perimeter of the head. The lower margin of the frontal sclerite is uniformly concave. The clypeus has a concave lower margin with a distinct medial lip. Sculpting is present across clypeus and labrum. Antennae are uniformly pale.
Pronotum (Fig. 6 I): The length/width ratio is 2.10 with slightly constricted margins in the metazone, but not narrowing much. Metazone is about 1.54 times longer than the prozone. Entirely pale coloration.
Legs: Length measurement of forecoxae 5 mm, of forefemora 6 mm, of foretibiae 4 mm, of mesofemora 6 mm, of mesotibiae 4 mm, of metafemora and metatibiae 6.5 mm. The forelegs are entirely pale; the meso- and metathoracic legs pale as in forelegs
Wings: Forewings hyaline with a relatively narrow and densely reticulate costal region. Veins across the forewing are pigmented brownish-green. Hindwings are hyaline with veins pigmented as in forewings.
Abdomen (Fig. 7 E): Thin abdomen with a rounded subgenital plate that is emarginated medially at the terminus, each region on either side of emargination forming a rounded lobe with large styli.
Genitalia (Figs. 10 B–E): Right epiphallus with apophysis hardened and smooth forming an obtuse angle. Left epiphallus with slight sclerotization on the smooth terminus of the titillator; pseudophallus with no granulation and multiple sclerotized digitations emerging from the terminus, each digitation having a terminus with granulation. Hypophallus with pronounced granulation and a number of small tubercles on the distal margin, forming a discrete region appearing as a convex bulb; the medial region of the left margin smooth and unsclerotized.
Description. Female. (Fig. 3 D) Length measurement from head to tip of abdomen 21–22 mm, of forewings 16
mm, of pronotum 5.0– 5.1 mm; width of pronotum 2.6 mm, of head 4.3–4.4 mm, of costal region of forewings 2.2
mm.
Head (Fig. 5 D): Overall shape of head squat (markedly transverse) as seen in P. b e f a s i c a. Vertex slightly concave, appearing to be slightly squared; area between parietal sutures and eyes strongly convex, forming pronounced juxtaocular bulges that form slight peaks; upper margin of eyes adjoining juxtaocular bulge with an obtuse angle. The eyes are bulbous and less elongate, bulging outside the triangular perimeter of the head. The lower margin of the frontal sclerite is slightly concave, but medial region straight. The clypeus has a concave lower margin with a distinct medial lip. Sculpting is present across clypeus and labrum. Antennae are uniformly pale.
Pronotum (Fig. 6 J): Slightly less elongate than males with a length/width ratio of 2.0 and a metazone 1.78 times longer than prozone. Colored ochre with slightly constricted margins in the metazone and narrowing to a rounded posterior margin.
Legs: Length measurement of forecoxae 6 mm, of forefemora 6.5 mm, of foretibiae 4.5 mm, of mesofemora 6 mm, of mesotibiae 4 mm, of metafemora 6 mm, and of metatibiae 6.5 mm. The forelegs are entirely pale; the meso- and metathoracic legs pale as in forelegs.
Wings: Forewing uniformly opaque with a moderately broad costal region that is densely reticulate. Forewing veins are pigmented brown in the costal region and the basal portion of the discoidal region, but the majority of the discoidal region has thickened white veins. Hindwings are hyaline.
Abdomen (Fig. 7 I): Broad, but with small lateral lobes. External genital structures typical for the genus.
Etymology. Named for the Plateau Mahafaly in southern Madagascar where this species was collected.
Platycalymma viettei, n. sp.
Examined specimens. Madagascar. Holotype 3—Nord, Contreforts du Tsaratanana, Haut Sambirano, 1200 m, vallée de la Besanetribe, 5/ 9–XII–1963, P. Viette (Locality P. v.1), genitalia prep. 3954 Roy (MNHN); Paratype 3—Nord, Andohanambatoafo, RN.4 Mangindrano - Bealanana, 2030 m, XII–1966, P. Soga (Locality P. v.2), genitalia prep. 0 0 0 147 Svenson (MNHN).
Diagnosis. Middle sized for the genus and most easily recognized by the distinct red or orange opaque strip on the
exterior third of the costal region of the forewing extending it’s entire length. This species is most similar to P.
dichroica, which also has an opaque strip on the exterior third of the costal region of the forewing, but it is white.
Males of this species have 12–13 external and 11–12 internal tibial spines.
Description. Male. (Fig. 3 E) Length measurement from head to tip of abdomen 22 mm, of forewings 23–24 mm,
of pronotum 4.5–4.6 mm; width of pronotum 2.4 mm, of head 3.8–3.9 mm, of costal region of the forewings 2.1
mm.
Head (Fig. 5 E): Overall shape of head triangular. Vertex markedly concave medially with area between parietal sutures and eyes convex, forming subtle, irregularly smooth juxtaocular bulges; two slight depressions medially on the vertex; upper margin of eyes adjoining juxtaocular bulge with a slight depression. The eyes are bulging slightly outside the triangular perimeter of the head. The lower margin of the frontal sclerite is strongly concave with a flat region medially. The clypeus has a small medial lip on the lower margin, which is smaller than those present in other species with the same structure. Sculpting is present across clypeus and labrum. Antennae are uniformly pale orange.
Pronotum (Fig. 6 K): The length/width ratio is 2.10 with a strongly narrowed metazone towards the posterior half. Metazone is about 1.73 times longer than the prozone. Entirely pale coloration.
Legs: Length measurement of forecoxae 5 mm, of forefemora 6.5 mm, of foretibiae 4 mm, of mesofemora 6 mm, of mesotibiae 4 mm, of metafemora 6.5 mm, and of metatibiae 7 mm. The forelegs are pale with fourth segment of tarsi darkened; the meso- and metathoracic legs colored as in forelegs.
Wings: Forewings hyaline with a slightly broadened and moderately reticulate costal region; a distinct red or orange opaque strip on the exterior third of the costal region extending it’s entire length. Veins across the forewing are pigmented green. Hindwings are hyaline with veins pigmented as in forewings.
Abdomen (Fig. 7 F): Thin abdomen with and irregular shaped subgenital plate, unique in the genus; emarginated medially forming a broad concave margin in the center, on each side of which are lobes bearing large styli.
Genitalia (Figs. 10 F & 10G): Right epiphallus with apophysis hardened and smooth forming an acute angle. Left epiphallus with slight granulation on the terminus of a moderately sclerotized titillator. Pseudophallus with granulation and a terminal digitation oriented at ninety degrees or less to central axis; a number of small tubercles present on the surface and margins. Hypophallus with slight granulation on the distal margin, forming a discrete region appearing as a convex bulb with few very small tubercles. The medial region of the left margin of the hypophallus with slight granulation forming a rough patch that extends proximally where it terminates abruptly after extending beyond the general margin of the hypophallus; region proximal to the termination of granulated with a distinct depression leading to a region that is convex before the proximal termination.
Etymology. Named for the late Pierre Viette, who studied the insects of Madagascar for many years.
Distribution of species (Table 1, Fig. 11)
The most broadly distributed of the six species is P. d i c h ro i c a, with representation across nearly the entire eastern front range of Madagascar, being mostly found within the dense moist forest in the lowland and frontal range region. Platycalymma latipennis, also distributed in eastern dense moist forests, is restricted to the northeastern coast of Madagascar, primarily around Maroantsetra and Helodrano Antongila Bay. Both P. v i e t t e i and P. annulicornis are restricted entirely to the far northern region of Madagascar, being associated with the moist forests in and around the Tsaratanana Nature Reserve and small northern forest patches, respectively. These two species may be under-collected and may range further south or in other northern forest blocks or simply be highly endemic to very small and restricted habitats. At this point, we do not know enough about the specific locations where these species were collected to make any observations about their habitats. With all known specimens of P. b e f a s i c a collected from the western coast of Madagascar, this species appears to be associated with the dry deciduous forest. The collection locations of P. mahafalica specimens are both on Plateau Mahafaly west of the southern city of Tolanaro, an area represented by dry deciduous thicket, which is a unique habitat use among species of the genus.
Recorded localities for all examined specimens for each species are provided in Table 1 as well as indicated on our reproduced map of Madagascar (Fig. 11). In addition, a KML file is downloadable for use in Google Earth, which provides interactive mapped locations for the types and each examined specimen (download at: www.mantodearesearch.com/Projects.html# Platycalymma).
description: Published as part of Roy, Roger & Svenson, Gavin J., 2011, Revision of Platycalymma Westwood, 1889, and the synonymy of Ichromantis Paulian, 1957 (Mantodea, Iridopterygidae, Tropidomantinae), pp. 1-25 in Zootaxa 3014 on pages 11-22, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.204672