IRIDOPTERYGIDAE Giglio-Tos, 1915

Tedrow, Riley, Nathan, Kabanguka, Richard, Nasasira & Svenson, Gavin J., 2015, A survey of the praying mantises of Rwanda, including new records (Insecta, Mantodea), Zootaxa 4027 (1), pp. 67-100 : 71-72

IRIDOPTERYGIDAE Giglio-Tos, 1915

Hapalomantis minima ( Werner, 1906) ( Figs 3 G, 11A–B)

Sampling. ANP.1— 29 males (GSMC004308, GSMC004310, GSMC004312–14, GSMC004316–18, GSMC004346, GSMC004348, GSMC004351, GSMC004386, GSMC004474–7, GSMC004770–82), four females (GSMC004786–89), and 22 nymphs (GSMC004412, GSMC004453, GSMC004472, GSMC004783-5, GSMC004959-60, GSMC004963-68, GSMC004970-77). ANP.2—Eight males (GSMC004778–85), and six females (GSMC004790–91, GSMC004806–4809). ANP.3—One male (GSMC004782), 13 females (GSMC004793–4805), and one nymph (GSMC004969).

Distribution. Species within the genus Hapalomantis range across Eastern Africa, but H. minima is the first species within the genus recorded in Rwanda. Hapalomantis minima is previously recorded in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Comments. The key by Kaltenbach (1996) distinguishing H. minima from H. orba described the single lengthened posteroventral tibial spine (a characteristic of the genus) to be either the second ( H. orba ) or the third ( H. minima ) from the proximal end. However, we observed variability in this character within specimens. Considering also that the ranges of these two species overlap, we suspect H. minima and H. orba are synonymous. Revisionary work within this genus is needed.

Negromantis gracillima Kaltenbach, 1996 ( Figs 3 H, 11C–D)

Sampling. ANP.1—Nine males (GSMC004391–2, GSMC004401, GSMC004403–6,GSMC005117), four females (GSMC004387, GSMC004389, GSMC004407–8, GSMC004402), and one nymph (GSMC004454).

Distribution. Species within the genus Negromantis are found in Central and Southern Africa, but N. gracillima is the first species within the genus recorded in Rwanda. Negromantis gracillima is previously recorded in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Observations. All specimens of this species were collected from a single tree species (on multiple trees) identified as Combretum molle (Combretaceae) (N. Hardy, pers. comm.). Numerous individuals of N. gracillima were perched on the underside of leaves of this tree and ran or flew from this position if disturbed.

Figures

FIGURE 3. Live habitus. A, Hoplocorypha lacualis (male) from ANP; B, Idolomorpha dentifrons (male) from ANP; C – D, Entella rukwaensis (C, male from ANP; D, female from ANP); E – F, Gonypetella fuscipes (E, male from ANP; F, female from ANP); G, Hapalomantis minima (female) from ANP; H, Negromantis gracillima (male) from ANP; I, Pyrgomantis nana (female) from ANP.