New data on the distribution of Rhombodera latipronotum (Mantodea, Mantidae) in Southeast Asia, with species redescription and biogeographic considerations
2025
Antonio Fasano
This study updates the known distribution of Rhombodera latipronotum Zhang, 1990, a mantis species previously documented only in the Yunnan province of China. New findings confirm its presence in the Guangxi autonomous region and the Indo-Chinese states of Laos and Vietnam. The research incorporates both direct analysis of collected specimens and data gathered from citizen-science platforms. These methodologies have allowed for a redefinition of the species’ range in Southeast Asia and have provided new insights into its external morphology and intraspecific variability. Due to its recent description and the limited availability of scientific literature, R. latipronotum remains poorly understood. This study overcomes these limitations by providing the first detailed description of both sexes, highlighting the intraspecific variability of the specimens, and discussing the potential existence of distinct populations within the species. The research also highlights the immense biodiversity within the surveyed regions, emphasizing the need for extensive exploration to fully catalogue the species of the order Mantodea. Understanding the distribution and ecological roles of these mantids is essential for their conservation. The study’s findings contribute to a deeper knowledge of R. latipronotum and underscore the importance of continued biological surveys and conservation efforts in these biodiverse yet underexplored areas of Southeast Asia.
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