Taxonomy of the genus Acromantis Saussure (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) in China and surrounding areas

Abstract

Summary The genus Acromantis Saussure, 1870 (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae: Acromantinae) includes 21 species globally, distributed in Eastern and Southern Asia, the Malay Archipelago and Northern Australia. Some Acromantis species were described based only on a single sex with a simple description, resulting in confusion and causing difficulties for taxonomic studies within the genus. Here, based on a numerous of specimens including those from type localities, we attempt to revise the taxonomy of the genus Acromantis in China and surrounding areas. Additional information on both sexes for known species are added. Eight new species, namely A. hainana n. sp., A. diana n. sp., A. acuta n. sp., A. melanoptera n. sp., A. zhiliangi n. sp., A. jinchengi n. sp., A. bifolia n. sp. and A. nujiangensis n. sp. are described. Acromantis formosana (Shiraki, 1911) is transferred to Odontomantis Saussure, 1871. Life history, necessary illustrations and habitat images of Acromantis species in China and surrounding areas are presented; the distribution of the genus Acromantis in this area is discussed and mapped.