Hestiasula Saussure, 1871

Schwarz, Christian J. & Konopik, Oliver, 2014, An annotated checklist of the praYing mantises (Mantodea) of Borneo, including the results of the 2008 scientific expedition to Lanjak Entimau Wildlife SanctuarY, Sarawak, Zootaxa 3797 (1), pp. 130-168 : 139-140

Hestiasula Saussure, 1871

= Hestias Saussure, 1872

= Catestiasula Giglio-Tos, 1915

Includes nineteen species in S and SE Asia. Forefemora enlarged, used in intraspecific communication and during startling display (“foreleg waving”, see MacKinnon 1969, Edmunds 1972, 1976, Loxton 1979, Schwarz 2003). Although listed here among Acromantinae , in concordance with Beier (1964) and Ehrmann (2002), molecular data suggest that this genus may be better placed among Oxypilinae (Svenson & Whiting 2009) . This genus is arboricolous, although specimens can also be found on high weeds and scrubs.

Hestiasula phyllopus ( De Haan, 1842)

Mantis (Oxypilus) phyllopus De Haan, 1842

= Hestias sarawaca Westwood, 1889

Distribution. Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Java, Borneo ( Giglio-Tos 1927, Werner 1930, 1933, Ehrmann 2002).

Bornean records. Sarawak: Kuching (SMSM), Mt. Dulit ( Beier 1937); Brunei: Kuala Belalong (OK in situ); Sabah: N Sabah (AFUW), Danum Valley ( Helmkampf et al. 2007; CSUB)

Hestiasula sp.

Distribution. Borneo: Sarawak: Mt. Santubong (SMNK); Brunei: Kuala Belalong (OK in situ); Sabah: Danum Valley ( Helmkampf et al. 2007).

Remarks. A second species closely related to H. phyllopus occurs in Borneo, distinguished from the latter by largely hyaline wings with an apical spot, and black fore-coxae. The taxonomic status of this species is currently under investigation by CS.

Hestiasula nitida (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1892)

Pachymantis nitida Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1892

Distribution. N India, Myanmar, Sumatra, SE Borneo ( Giglio-Tos 1927, Werner 1933, Beier 1958, Ehrmann 2002).

Bornean records. Kalimantan: Mentawir ( Beier 1958), Sampit ( Beier 1958).

Remarks. This and the following species are closely related. The tegmina are iridescent, hyaline with blackish veins. This species was placed in the genus Catestiasula by Giglio-Tos (1915), but united with Hestiasula by Beier (1934).

Hestiasula moultoni (Giglio-Tos, 1915)

Distribution. Borneo (Giglio-Tos 1915, 1927, Ehrmann 2002, Helmkampf et al. 2007). Sarawak: Kuching ( Giglio-Tos 1927), Lanjak Entimau (1 m, CSUB); Brunei: Kuala Belalong (OK in situ); Sabah: Danum Valley ( Helmkampf et al. 2007), Tawau Hills (AFUW).

Remarks. The tegmina are hyaline with reddish veins. This species was also placed in the genus Catestiasula by Giglio-Tos (1915).