Nilomantis Werner 1907
Creators: name: Brannoch, Sydney K.
name: Svenson, Gavin J.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Mantodea
Iridopterygidae
Nilomantis
Nilomantis floweri

description: <i>Nilomantis Werner, 1907</i> <i>Nilomantis</i> Werner, 1907: 233–234; Beier 1930: 438–439; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Chopard 1950: 132; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Edmunds 1976: 6 –7, 34; Kaltenbach 1984: 205; Edmunds 1986: 41, 45; Ehrmann 2002: 242; Otte &amp; Spearman 2005: 120–121 <i>Cryptomantis</i> Giglio-Tos, 1915: 45–46; Giglio-Tos 1927: 136; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002; 242 <i>Type species</i> <i>Nilomantis floweri</i> Werner, 1907. <i>Diagnosis</i> Small, slender mantises (body length 15–21 mm), green; fully developed wings. Body and anterior margin of forewings lightly ciliated. Pronotal medial keel present. Head capsule dorsoventrally compressed; compound eyes dorsoventrally compressed, laterally conical, blunted. Head capsule with relatively straight vertical margin; cranial vertex with no projections. Lower frons featuring an arcuate carina. Female genitalia: gonoplac (GL) features a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin; gonapophysis IX (GP) apex acuminate. Male genitalia: lobo membranoso (loa) with varying levels of sclerotization and distal crenulation; ventral sclerotization of the left phallomere (L 4 A) terminates in two lobes. <i>Remarks</i> As evidenced by external and internal morphological characters, as well as by the geographical distribution of the genera, we contend that <i>Nilomantis</i> and <i>Ilomantis</i> are separate, valid genera. Key to <i>Nilomantis</i> Werner, 1907 species 1. Female genitalia: Gonocoxa VIII (VF) internal margin rounded; from LH, VF without projection. Apical lobe (AL) ovoid, ciliated. Gonoplac (GL) ventral margin rugose, dorsal margin relatively smooth. Male genitalia: lobo membranoso (loa) heavily sclerotized and strongly crenulated distally; processo apical (paa) narrow and recurved apically. The ventral sclerotization of the left phallomere (L 4 A) relatively narrow, terminating into two triangular lobes; processo distale (pda) terminating in a lightly sclerotized point. Processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) and piastra ventrale (pia) reduced and closely adjoined. Distributed within the Sahara-Sahel region of Africa and Saudi Arabia. <i>floweri</i> 1 ’. Female genitalia: VF internal margin approximately angular in appearance; from LH, VF possesses a distinct knob-like projection that is directed dorsad. AL ovoid, pitted; GL dorsal and ventral margins relatively smooth. Male genitalia: loa invaginated and very lightly crenulated distally; paa broad and recurved. L 4 A broad, terminating into two well separated, apically rounded lobes; pda broad, largely rounded. Pva and pia sclerotized, finger-like. Distributed within Ghana and the Central African Republic. edmundsi <i>Nilomantis floweri Werner, 1907</i> <i>Nilomantis floweri</i> Werner, 1907: 233–234; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Kaltenbach 1984: 205; Ehrmann 2002: 242; Otte &amp; Spearman 2005: 120–121 <i>Cryptomantis tenella</i> Giglio-Tos, 1915: 45–46; Giglio-Tos 1927: 136; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002; 242 <i>Nilomantis arabica</i> Beier, 1930: 438–439; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Chopard 1950: 132; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002: 242 <i>Nilomantis [Cryptomantis] tenella (Giglio-Tos, 1915) Beier, 1935: 55</i>; Ehrmann 2002: 242 <i> <i>Examined specimens</i> </i> The list consists of 4 specimens. Saudi Arabia: <i>Escarpement de Raydah,</i> 1 &amp;female;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 1 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 &amp;female;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920 m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 2 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 &amp;male;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç. (MNHN); <i>Wadi Turabah</i>, 1 &amp;male;, milieu de vallée, 20 ° 27 ’ 12 N - 41 ° 10 ’ 61 E, 1330 m, 03-VII- 1992, M., Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 3 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN) <i> <i>Male genitalia description</i> </i> Based on an examination of the genital complex of <i>N. floweri</i>, as well as plates presented by Roy &amp; Leston (1975), the anterior process (ap) is lightly sclerotized, undulate. Apical process (paa) features a broad base with an anterior dilation; paa narrow and recurved distally. Apophysis phalloide (L 1) does not retain the apophysis; lobo membranoso (loa) heavily sclerotized and strongly crenulated distally. Processo distale (pda) narrows apically, terminating in a moderately sclerotized, blunted point. There is a second, triangular lobe to the right of pda. Processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) and piastra ventrale (pia) reduced, heavily sclerotized, and closely adjoined. <i>Female genitalia description</i> (Figs 4 A, 6 A,B). Gonapophysis VIII (GA) slender, variably ciliated, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA lightly surfaced with fossettes. From VH, gonocoxa VIII (VF) internal margin rounded; from LH, VF does not retain a projection. From VH, GA curves strongly inward; apical lobe (AL) ovoid, ciliated. AL has a small membrane which projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA. From LH, GA is gently curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a pronounced medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve, with a row of cilia that runs from the crest of MO towards AL. GA external margin possesses a moderately sclerotized tubercle anterior to MO. From LH, AL narrows posteriorly with a bluntly rounded apical margin. GA dorsal margin is invaginated anterior to the curve towards the ventral habitus. GA very lightly sclerotized. Gonapophysis IX (GP) relatively short, broadening at the site of the medial tine (MT) before narrowing into a tapered, acuminate apex; GP ventral margin invaginated, covered anteriorly by MT. Gonoplac (GL) shorter than GA, broad, variably ciliated, and arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL narrows toward the apex; from LH, GL apex slants ventrad. GL features a reduced apical cleft (AC) resulting in a slight apical notch. From LH, GL possesses a slight sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before the AC. GL ventral margin rugose, dorsal margin relatively smooth. <i>Nilomantis floweri Werner, 1907</i> <i>Nilomantis floweri</i> Werner, 1907: 233–234; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Kaltenbach 1984: 205; Ehrmann 2002: 242; Otte &amp; Spearman 2005: 120–121 <i>Cryptomantis tenella</i> Giglio-Tos, 1915: 45–46; Giglio-Tos 1927: 136; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002; 242 <i>Nilomantis arabica</i> Beier, 1930: 438–439; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Chopard 1950: 132; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002: 242 <i>Nilomantis [Cryptomantis] tenella (Giglio-Tos, 1915) Beier, 1935: 55</i>; Ehrmann 2002: 242 <i> <i>Examined specimens</i> </i> The list consists of 4 specimens. Saudi Arabia: <i>Escarpement de Raydah,</i> 1 &amp;female;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 1 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 &amp;female;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920 m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 2 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 &amp;male;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç. (MNHN); <i>Wadi Turabah</i>, 1 &amp;male;, milieu de vallée, 20 ° 27 ’ 12 N - 41 ° 10 ’ 61 E, 1330 m, 03-VII- 1992, M., Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 3 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN) <i> <i>Male genitalia description</i> </i> Based on an examination of the genital complex of <i>N. floweri</i>, as well as plates presented by Roy &amp; Leston (1975), the anterior process (ap) is lightly sclerotized, undulate. Apical process (paa) features a broad base with an anterior dilation; paa narrow and recurved distally. Apophysis phalloide (L 1) does not retain the apophysis; lobo membranoso (loa) heavily sclerotized and strongly crenulated distally. Processo distale (pda) narrows apically, terminating in a moderately sclerotized, blunted point. There is a second, triangular lobe to the right of pda. Processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) and piastra ventrale (pia) reduced, heavily sclerotized, and closely adjoined. <i>Female genitalia description</i> (Figs 4 A, 6 A,B). Gonapophysis VIII (GA) slender, variably ciliated, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA lightly surfaced with fossettes. From VH, gonocoxa VIII (VF) internal margin rounded; from LH, VF does not retain a projection. From VH, GA curves strongly inward; apical lobe (AL) ovoid, ciliated. AL has a small membrane which projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA. From LH, GA is gently curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a pronounced medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve, with a row of cilia that runs from the crest of MO towards AL. GA external margin possesses a moderately sclerotized tubercle anterior to MO. From LH, AL narrows posteriorly with a bluntly rounded apical margin. GA dorsal margin is invaginated anterior to the curve towards the ventral habitus. GA very lightly sclerotized. Gonapophysis IX (GP) relatively short, broadening at the site of the medial tine (MT) before narrowing into a tapered, acuminate apex; GP ventral margin invaginated, covered anteriorly by MT. Gonoplac (GL) shorter than GA, broad, variably ciliated, and arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL narrows toward the apex; from LH, GL apex slants ventrad. GL features a reduced apical cleft (AC) resulting in a slight apical notch. From LH, GL possesses a slight sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before the AC. GL ventral margin rugose, dorsal margin relatively smooth. <i>Nilomantis floweri Werner, 1907</i> <i>Nilomantis floweri</i> Werner, 1907: 233–234; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Kaltenbach 1984: 205; Ehrmann 2002: 242; Otte &amp; Spearman 2005: 120–121 <i>Cryptomantis tenella</i> Giglio-Tos, 1915: 45–46; Giglio-Tos 1927: 136; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002; 242 <i>Nilomantis arabica</i> Beier, 1930: 438–439; Beier 1935: 55; Uvarov 1939: 551; Chopard 1950: 132; Roy &amp; Leston 1975: 311–316; Ehrmann 2002: 242 <i>Nilomantis [Cryptomantis] tenella (Giglio-Tos, 1915) Beier, 1935: 55</i>; Ehrmann 2002: 242 <i> <i>Examined specimens</i> </i> The list consists of 4 specimens. Saudi Arabia: <i>Escarpement de Raydah,</i> 1 &amp;female;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 1 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 &amp;female;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920 m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 2 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 &amp;male;, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 <i>°</i> 23 ’ 33 E, 1920m, 29 / 30 -VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç. (MNHN); <i>Wadi Turabah</i>, 1 &amp;male;, milieu de vallée, 20 ° 27 ’ 12 N - 41 ° 10 ’ 61 E, 1330 m, 03-VII- 1992, M., Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 3 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN) <i> <i>Male genitalia description</i> </i> Based on an examination of the genital complex of <i>N. floweri</i>, as well as plates presented by Roy &amp; Leston (1975), the anterior process (ap) is lightly sclerotized, undulate. Apical process (paa) features a broad base with an anterior dilation; paa narrow and recurved distally. Apophysis phalloide (L 1) does not retain the apophysis; lobo membranoso (loa) heavily sclerotized and strongly crenulated distally. Processo distale (pda) narrows apically, terminating in a moderately sclerotized, blunted point. There is a second, triangular lobe to the right of pda. Processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) and piastra ventrale (pia) reduced, heavily sclerotized, and closely adjoined. <i>Female genitalia description</i> (Figs 4 A, 6 A,B). Gonapophysis VIII (GA) slender, variably ciliated, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA lightly surfaced with fossettes. From VH, gonocoxa VIII (VF) internal margin rounded; from LH, VF does not retain a projection. From VH, GA curves strongly inward; apical lobe (AL) ovoid, ciliated. AL has a small membrane which projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA. From LH, GA is gently curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a pronounced medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve, with a row of cilia that runs from the crest of MO towards AL. GA external margin possesses a moderately sclerotized tubercle anterior to MO. From LH, AL narrows posteriorly with a bluntly rounded apical margin. GA dorsal margin is invaginated anterior to the curve towards the ventral habitus. GA very lightly sclerotized. Gonapophysis IX (GP) relatively short, broadening at the site of the medial tine (MT) before narrowing into a tapered, acuminate apex; GP ventral margin invaginated, covered anteriorly by MT. Gonoplac (GL) shorter than GA, broad, variably ciliated, and arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL narrows toward the apex; from LH, GL apex slants ventrad. GL features a reduced apical cleft (AC) resulting in a slight apical notch. From LH, GL possesses a slight sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before the AC. GL ventral margin rugose, dorsal margin relatively smooth.
description: Published as part of <i>Sydney K. Brannoch &amp; Gavin J. Svenson, 2016, Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae), pp. 209-244 in Insect Systematics &amp; Evolution 47</i> on pages 235-237, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141, http://zenodo.org/record/269839
description: {"references": ["Werner, F. (1907) Ergebnisse der mit Subvention aus der Erbschaft Treitl unternommenen zoologischen Forschungsreise Dr. Franz Werner's in den agyptischen Sudan und nach Nord-Uganda: Orthoptera Blattaeformia. VII. aus der Kaiserlich-Koniglichen Hof-und Staatsdruckerei. In Kommission bei Alfred Holder, Vienna.", "Beier, M. (1930) New and rare Mantodea (Orthoptera) in the British Museum. The Annals and Magazine of Natural History 10: 432 - 460.", "Beier, M. (1935) Genera Insectorum, Vol. 201. Mantodea. Subfamilie: Orthoderinae, Choeradodinae, Deroplatinae. Wytsman, Brussels.", "Uvarov, B. P. (1939). Studies in the Arabian Orthoptera. II. New and little known Mantidae and Phasmidae. Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Zoology 40: 547 - 559.", "Chopard, L. (1950) Contribution a l'etude de l'Air. Orthoptera: Mantodea. Memoire de l'Institut Francais d'Afrique Noire 10: 127 - 146.", "Roy, R. &amp; Leston, D. (1975) Mantodea of Ghana: new species, further records and habitats. Bulletin de l'Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire (IFAN) Serie A 37: 297 - 344.", "Edmunds, M. (1976) The defensive behaviour of Ghanaian praying mantids with a discussion of territoriality. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 58: 1 - 37.", "Kaltenbach, A. (1984) Insects of Saudi Arabia. New species and further records of Mantodea from Saudi Arabia and Oman. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 6: 203 - 209.", "Edmunds, M. (1986) The phenology and diversity of praying mantids in Ghana. Journal of Tropical Ecology 2: 39 - 50.", "Ehrmann, R. (2002) Mantodea: Gottesanberinnen der Welt. Munster, Natur und Tier Verlag Munster.", "Otte, D. &amp; Spearman, L. A. (2005) Mantida species file. Catalog of the mantids of the world, volume 1. Association of Insect Diversity, Philadelphia, PA.", "Giglio-Tos, E. (1915) Mantidi esotici. VIII. Acromantinae. Bollettino dei Musei di Zoologia ed Anatomia Comparata della R. Universita di Torino 30: 1 - 16.", "Giglio-Tos, E. (1927) Das Tierreich. Orthoptera-Mantidae. Walter de Gruyter, Berlin."]}