Mantis (Oxypilus) reticulata De Haan, 1842.

Very small sized mantises. Body with mottled dark spot pattern. Pronotum short, kite- shaped, its dorsal surface with longitudinal striped pattern. Genicular spurs length as long as Pvfs length. Second Avfs is as long as second Ds, much longer than the neighboring spines. Wings brachypterous or macropterous.

[NASIC] South Korea: GN: 1♂1♀, Mt. Noja, Dongbu- myeon, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 7 VIII 2019, Yeong-Hun Kim; 3♂3♀, Mt. Noja, Dongbu- myeon, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 7 VIII 2019, Woojin Jang; JN: 3♂1♀, Island Yeoseodo, Yeoseo-ri, Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, 26 I 2019, Jaeil shim (reared from Ootheca); JJ: 1♀, Andeok Valley, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, X 2019, Do-yoon Kim; 2♂1♀, Donnaeko, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 9 IX 2020, Yeong-Hun Kim; 3♂2♀, Seonheul-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, 19 V 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from ootheca); 2♀, Gamsan-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 23 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; 1♀, Gamsan-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, X 2023, Jisung Kim; Japan: 1♂, Yanbaru, Okinawa, 1–4 I 2020, Wonjun Seong, Forest.

Measurements (mm): Body length ♂ 12.1–13.0, ♀ 13.8–15.2; head width ♂ 2.2, ♀ 3.3; head length ♂ 2.9, ♀ 3.9; pronotum width ♂ 2.1, ♀ 2.5; pronotum length ♂ 3.3, ♀ 3.9; forewing (tegmina) length ♂♀ 1.6. Male (Figs 1, 3, 5, 7, 9–17). Very small sized mantises. Coloration (Figs 1, 3): Body color bright brown to dark brown. Body surface with irregular dark brown spots. Head (Fig. 5): Triangular, slightly broader than pronotum maximum width. Head length 1.3× width. Antenna filiform. Antenna nearly 3× as long as pronotum. Vertex nearly flat, posterior area (Figs 1, 3) with five dark spots. Compound eye slightly protruding, its surface glossy and brown moire pattern (in live specimens). Ocelli small, all of the same shape and size. Epistomal sulcus weakly concave. Prothorax (Fig. 7): Dorsal surface with dark brown longitudinal stripe pattern. Pronotum very short, kite-shaped, lateral margin with minute denticulation. Pronotum length 1.4× as long as maximum width. Metazone nearly 2× as long as prozone. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 9–17): Coxa and femur slightly longer than pronotum. Coxa dorsal margin (Figs 9, 11) with 9–13 minute forecoxal spines. Dorsal and ventral coxal lobes (Fig. 9) fully divided from each other; dorsal coxal lobes with dark brown spot. Femur, tibia, and first tarsomere darker than body color (Figs 1, 3, 11). Femur interior surface (Fig. 10) with numerous denticles. Genicular spurs (Figs 9, 11) well-developed, as long as Pvts length. Spination formula (Figs 9–11): Avts = 10–12; Pvts = 12–13; Avfs = 11–14; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. In 13 Avfs (Figs 9, 10): spines 2 and 13 larger than remaining Avfs; spines 10, 11, and 12 smallest of Avfs. Meso- and metathoracic legs: Meso- and metathoracic legs long and slender, apical area of tibia and first tarsomere dark brown. Tarsi 5-segmented. First tarsomere of mesotarsus subequal to combined length of remaining segments, first tarsomere of metatarsus longer than remaining segments combined. Wings: Brachypterous. Wing venation faded. Abdomen: Cerci setose, not flattened, with nine or ten segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 15) nearly rhombus, inter-stylar margin slightly convex; stylus rather short. Male genitalia (Figs 16, 17): Right phallomere with C-shaped pva (Fig. 16); pia sclerotized and weakly wrinkled; fda distal edge margin rounded, surface with few setae. Left phallomere with short and curved paa; afa sclerotized, rectangular (slightly concave at the middle), shape of distal end variable, surface weakly granulated; Korean populations with two types of afa: dorsally curved type (Fig. 16) and posteriorly decumbent type (Fig. 17); loa mostly invisible. Ventral phallomere nearly oblong; sdpm very weakly developed; sdpl slightly expanded (digitiform), right margin of sdpl conspicuously concave. Female (Figs 2, 4, 6, 8). Similar to male, with following differences. Head (Fig. 6): length 1.2× width. Antenna nearly 2× as long as pronotum. Vertex swollen. Prothorax (Fig. 8): Pronotum length 1.5× maximum width. Narrowest width on posterior one-third of pronotum. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 2, 4): Femur color generally same as body color. First tarsomere distal end area dark brown. Abdomen: Post-lateral margin of tergite with dark brown spot. Ootheca (Figs 18, 19). Measurements (mm): Length 3.2–5.3; width 2.8–3.4; height 2.7–3.4; length of emergence area 3.9–6.4; width of emergence area 1.0–1.6. Identification: Prism-shaped, triangular in cross-section. Ootheca attached by ventral surface. External wall colored russet. External coating (Figs 18, 19) beige, consisting of a very thin layer and frothy material, lateral surface and emergence area fully covered. Exhibiting ~ 4–8 egg chambers (Fig. 19). Lateral surface with longitudinal parallel ridges (boundaries). Distal end of ootheca truncate and rough. Distal flap area with long residual process (Fig. 18). Nymph. First instar nymph: Body surface shiny, reddish brown with brightly colored transverse pattern on body segments and legs; postero-medial edge of pro-, meso-, and metathorax tergite slightly protruding.

Figures 1–8. 

Habitus, head and pronotum of Amantis nawai 1 male dorsal aspect (Geojedo island) 2 female dorsal aspect (Geojedo island) 3 male dorsal aspect (Jeju) 4 female dorsal aspect (Jeju) 5 male face 6 female face 7 male pronotum 8 female pronotum.

Figures 9–14. 

Male foreleg of Amantis nawai 9 ventral aspect 10 interior aspect 11 dorsal aspect 12 foreleg dorsal aspect (Jeju) 13 foreleg dorsal aspect (Geojedo island) 14 foreleg dorsal aspect (Yeoseodo island). White arrow = femoral brush.

Amantis nawai is distributed throughout the southern islands of the Korean peninsula, as reported by Kwon et al. (1996). This species is commonly found beneath the litter layer in shaded areas and typically lays its oothecae under dead leaves or between stones on the ground. The species exhibits unique behaviors, including the vibration of its antenna and swinging of its forelegs. The first instar nymphs usually hatch between mid-June and early July, while adults emerge in mid-August.

China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea.

Amantis nawai occurs in East Asia (Yamasaki 1981; Chou 2006; Patel and Singh 2016; Oshima 2018). Korean populations of A. nawai exhibit two distinct male genitalia structures, distinguished by the ‘afa’ structure (Figs 16, 17), as well as variable forefemur color patterns (Figs 12–14). The Yeoseodo Island population features a posteriorly decumbent ‘afa’ structure (Fig. 17), and the male forefemur color matches their body color (Fig. 14). In contrast, the Geojedo and Jeju Island populations exhibit a dorsally curved ‘afa’ structure (Fig. 16), and the forefemur color of most male samples is darker than their body color (Figs 1, 3). However, there is no significant intraspecific genetic divergence (COI) between the Yeoseodo and Geojedo Island populations. Additionally, the Jeju population shows only a 0.3% divergence from the other islands.

Figures 15–19. 

Male genitalia and ootheca of Amantis nawai 15 subgenital plate 16 male genitalia (Jeju) 17 male genitalia (Yeoseodo island) 18 ootheca (dorsal aspect) 19 ootheca (lateral aspect). Red arrows = concave area.

Mantis oligoneura De Haan, 1842

Small-sized mantises. Compound eye with stripe pattern (in live specimens). Anterior area of vertex and lower frons slightly protruding. Pronotum metazone middle area with flat bulge. Genicular spurs clearly shorter than the shortest Pvfs length. Pvts fully decumbent. Meso- and metathoracic femora with weakly expanded postero-ventral femoral lobe. Posterior margins of sternites with a medial lip. Hindwing apex distally truncate.

[NASIC] South Korea: GN: 2♀, Mt. Noja, Dongbu-myeon, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 10 IX 2016, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, Mt. Wangjo, Nambu-myeon, Tappo-ri, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 23 XII 2019, Jun-Ho Lee; 2♀, Mt. Noja, Dongbu-myeon, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 29 IX 2016, Byeongmin Jeong; JN: 3♂, Jeongdo-ri, Wando-gun, 10 I 2019, JaeDong Gim (reared from ootheca); 3♂, Jeongdo-ri, Wando-gun, 26 II 2019, Jaeil Shim (reared from ootheca); 8♂6♀, Is. Bogil-do, Bogil-myoen, Wando-gun, 2 III 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from ootheca); JJ: 1♂, Mt. Sambang, Namjeju-gun, Jeju-si 28 IX 2000, Miae Kim; 1♂, Hwasun-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, 12–13 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; 8♂1♀, Sumang-ri, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, 13–14 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim.

Measurements (mm): Total length (vertex to tip of abdomen) ♂ 23.3–26.2, ♀ 28.4–32.2; head width ♂ 4.1–4.2, ♀ 5.0–5.1; head length ♂ 2.4, ♀ 3.4; pronotum width ♂ 2.6–2.7, ♀ 3.4; pronotum length ♂ 6.5–7.0, ♀ 8.2–8.4; forewing (tegmina) length ♂ 17.4–20.0, ♀ 17.0–18.5. Male (Figs 20, 22, 24–28, 30, 31). Small sized mantises. Coloration (Fig. 20): Body greenish brown to brown. Head (Fig. 22): Triangular; width 1.7× length. Antenna > 2× as long as pronotum. Vertex nearly flat, anterior vertex with weakly pronounced spurs. Postocellar tubercle weakly pronounced. Compound eye globular, slightly protruding laterally; compound eye with brightly coloured moire pattern (in live specimens). Ocelli larger than female, middle ocellus nearly globular, lateral two ocelli oblong. Posterior apex of lower frons (Fig. 22) with protruding spur. Prothorax (Figs 24, 25): Pronotum length 2.5–2.6× maximum width. Pronotum (Fig. 24) surface smooth, lateral margin with few denticles; metazone > 2× longer than prozone; middle of metazone with flat bulge (pair); metazone lateral margin slightly concave. Furcasternite (Fig. 25) very slightly convex, middle area with flat protuberance. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs): Foreleg (Figs 20, 26) surface smooth and shiny, pale green. Coxa dorsal margin with 6–10 spines. Dorsal and ventral coxal lobes (Fig. 26) fully divided from each other. Femur dorsal margin (Figs 20, 26) slightly convex at the middle, distal half of margin very slightly concave. Genicular spurs (Fig. 26) well developed, conspicuously shorter than Pvfs, postero-ventral genicular spurs weakly curved outward. Pvts (Fig. 27) fully decumbent. Spination formula: Avts = 12–13; Pvts = 12; Avfs = 10–13; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. In 12 Avfs (Fig. 26, 28): spines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 size larger than remaining Avfs, dark brown. Ds 2 and 3 dark brown in live specimens. Meso- and metathoracic legs: Meso- and metathoracic legs with transverse dark pattern. Meso- and metathoracic femora (Fig. 20) with weakly expanded postero-ventral femoral lobe. Tarsi 5-segmented. Wing: Wings completely surpassing the end of abdomen (Fig. 20). Forewing costal area bright brown or green, discoidal area brownish and transparent, cubitus brown. Forewing with oblique brown stripes. Hindwing costal area brown, discoidal area brownish and transparent; hindwing apex brown, truncate. Abdomen: Sternites III–VII posterior margin with a medial lip, process slightly expanded. Cerci setose, 13 segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 30) irregularly rounded rhomboidal in shape, inter-stylar margin generally concave, but medial area occasionally slightly convex. Ventral surface of subgenital plate with numerous setae. Styli rather short. Male genitalia (Fig. 31): Right phallomere pia sclerotized and surface with few denticles; fda nearly triangular in shape, its surface with few setae. Left phallomere, paa nearly absent (very blunt); afa weakly sclerotized, and distal end bulbous; loa invisible. Ventral phallomere nearly elliptical, without any melanized structures, distal margin truncate or weakly bilobed (sdpm and sdpl may be expanded). Female (Figs 21, 23, 29). Similar to male, with following differences. Head (Fig. 23): width 1.5× length. Antenna as long as pronotum. Prothorax: Pronotum length 2.4× maximum width. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs): Foreleg dorsal surface brown, coxa ventral surface (Fig. 29) red in live specimens. Wings (Fig. 21): Forewing costal area color green. Ootheca (Figs 32, 33). Measurements (mm): Length 10.7–14.8; maximum width 4.3–4.8; maximum height 3.6–4.3; length of emergence area 7.8–10.4; width of emergence area 1.5–2.4. Identification: Nearly rectangular dorsally, hemispherical in cross-section, each edge with slightly expanded attachment area (Fig. 32). Ootheca attached on ventral surface. External wall color brown (Fig. 33). External coating bright brown but surface weakly covered. Exhibiting ~ 10–15 egg chambers (Fig. 33) clearly delimited by prominently visible curved lips. Distal end softly truncate and weakly rough. Nymph. First instar nymph: Body color black and surface shiny (ant mimic); compound eye with white stripes (moiré pattern); posterior margin of pro-, meso-, and metathoracic tergite with white lines; tarsus of meso- and metathoracic legs white. Second to last instar nymph: Body brown to dark brown with brightly colored mottled pattern; vertex spurs well developed; abdomen with expanded lamellar process (lip) in the middle of sternites.

Figures 20–29. 

Habitus, head, pronotum and foreleg of Acromantis japonica 20 male dorsal aspect 21 female dorsal aspect 22 male face 23 female face 24 female pronotum 25 male furcasternite 26 male foreleg ventral aspect 27 foreleg tibia and tarsus (dorsal aspect) 28 foreleg interior aspect 29 female coxa ventral aspect (live specimens). Red arrows = bulge and protuberance.

Figures 30–33. 

Male genitalia and ootheca of Acromantis japonica 30 subgenital plate 31 male genitalia 32 ootheca (dorsal aspect) 33 ootheca (lateral asepct).

Acromantis japonica is found in the southern islands of the Korean Peninsula (Jeon et al. 1999; An 2011). They occur in leaf litter, under broad leaves and on tree trunks. Adults exhibit positive phototaxis, and oothecae are typically laid under stones and the bark of rotten logs. This species overwinters in the egg stage inside their oothecae (Taniguchi 1987; Befu 1992). They exhibit behaviors such as vibrating their antennae and swinging forelegs. Nymphs fold their abdomens back during rest. The first instar nymphs hatch from the end of May to early June, while adults emerge beginning from the end of August.

China, Japan, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea.

The genus Acromantis has characteristic stripe patterns on their compound eyes when they are alive (see Nakamine et al. 2017: figs 2, 3), weakly pronounced postocellar tubercles and truncated hindwings (Vyjayandi et al. 2010; Mukherjee et al. 2017; Shcherbakov and Anisyutkin 2018). They occur in East Asia to Australasia (Jeon et al. 1999; Nakamine 2016; Patel et al. 2016).

Gryllus (Mantis) religiosa Linnaeus, 1758

Medium to large sized mantises. Body color mostly bright green, yellow, brown. Male antenna reddish, conspicuously thicker than the female’s. Vertex swollen. Forecoxal proximal area with dark spot, ventral surface with numerous yellow spots. Tibial spur groove area with yellow spot. Furcasternite with numerous spots. Metathoracical episternum with a dark lateral spot. Male inter-stylar margin notched.

[NASIC] South Korea: GW: 3♂, Hotel Ramada, Daegwallyeong Pass, Pyeongchang-gun, 22 VIII 2019, JuHyeong Sohn; GG: 1♀, Jeongok-eup, Yeoncheon-gun, 22 VIII 84, Sunhee Jang; 1♀, Mt. Acha, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 8 IX 1977, Sunhee Yoon, Sungshin Univ.; 1 Nymph 1♂4♀, Island Gureopdo, Gureop-ri, Deokjeok-myeon, Incheon, 17 VII 2019, Byeongmin Jeong (reared from nymph); 2♂1♀, Island Gureopdo, Gureop-ri, Deokjeok-myeon, Incheon, 28 VI 2023, Jaeil Shim, Wonjun Sung (reared from nymph); CN: 1♂1♀, Coastal Dune, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 1 IX 2001, Haechul Park, near the grassland; 4♂6♀, Sonhwang-ri, Woongcheon-eup, Boryeong-si, 12 VII 2023, Jaeil Shim, near the grassland (reared from nymph); 2♂3♀, Coastal Dune, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 12 VIII 2023, Jaeil Shim, near the grassland; GB: 2♂, Mt. Angi, Songhyeon-dong, Andong-si, VIII 2022, Jaeil Shim; 3 Nymphs, Gyeongjeong Beach, Gyeongjeong-ri, Chuksan-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun, 20 VII 2023, Jaeil Shim; GN: 2♀, Mt. Noja, Dongbu- myeon, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 15 IX 2021, Jaeil Shim; JB: 1♂, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, VIII 1999, Jeonbuk Nat. Univ; 1♂, Mt. Jeoksang, Muju-gun, 8 IX 1999, Taewoo Kim; 1♀, Kunsan Nat. Univ., Gunsan-si, 31 VIII 2019, JuHyeong Sohn; 6♂8♀, Is. Yamido, Okdo-myeon, Gunsan-si, 5 VII 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from nymph); JJ: 3 Nymphs, Gwangchigi Beach, Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, 16 V 2021, Jaeil Shim; Hungary: Mantis religiosa religiosa, 1♂, Mt. Csakyar, Vertes, 23 VIII 2003, J.C. Sohn, Haraszt hegy 250m.

Measurements (mm): Total length (vertex to tip of abdomen) ♂ 42.3–55.2, ♀ 50.8–72.4; head width ♂ 5.1–5.4, ♀ 6.2–6.5; head length ♂ 3.8–4.2, ♀ 5.4–5.6; pronotum width ♂ 4.0–4.2, ♀ 5.6–6.0; pronotum length ♂ 13.2–14.0, ♀ 16.6–18.0; forewing (tegmina) length ♂ 38.4–43.2, ♀ 36.1–47.7. Male (Figs 34, 36, 38, 42–49) Medium to large sized mantises. Coloration (Figs 34, 35): Body bright green, brown and yellow. Head (Fig. 36): width 1.3× length. Vertex swollen; with pale transverse magenta line along dorsal apex (in live specimens) (Fig. 38). Compound eye globular, anteriorly protruding; dorsal surface with two transverse stripes (in live specimens). Ocelli large, oval, pale yellow. Antenna filiform; pedicel, scape and initial flagellum pale, remaining flagellum orangish to reddish brown (Figs 34, 36). Antenna length > 2× as long as pronotum, conspicuously thicker than in female. Lower frons posterior apex weakly protruding; pale transverse line at posterior one-third of lower frons (in live specimens). Epistomal sulcus transverse. Prothorax (Fig. 38): Pronotum flattened dorso-ventrally, its length 3.3× as long as maximum width. Prozone lateral margin with small denticles. Metazone 3× as long as prozone; lateral margin smooth. Medial keel protruding. Furcasternite (Fig. 41) posterior area with numerous dark spots. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 42–46): Coxa dorsal margin with 6–11 spines (Fig. 43), small denticles located between its spines. Coxa ventral surface (Figs 42, 43) with large oblong black spot or eye spot in proximal area; remaining surface with 15–24 yellow spots, center of each spot with small seta. Coxal lobes fully divided from each other. Tibial spur groove (Figs 42, 44) with yellow spotted (blotch) pattern. Genicular spurs minute. Ventral surface of tibia (Fig. 44) yellow to orange. Spination formula (Figs 44, 45): Avts = 12–13; Pvts = 7; Avfs = 12–13; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. In 13 Avfs (Figs 44, 45): spines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 larger and black, spines with black spot at the base. Tarsus with ventral area brownish. Meso- and metathorax and legs: Metathorax episternum (Fig. 47) with dark triangular spot. Meso- and metathoracic legs long and slender; tarsi 5-segmented. Wings: Forewing completely surpassing the end of abdomen. Stigma elongate, slightly protruding; color same as forewing venation. Forewing anterior margin brown, discoidal area mostly hyaline. Hindwing transparent but apex brownish. Abdomen: Cerci setose, elongated, and thick, not flattened, brown; 17 segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 48) irregularly elliptical in shape, inter-stylar margin notched in V-shape. Styli rather long. Male genitalia (Fig. 49): Right phallomere smooth, forming a C-shaped pva; pia sclerotized and weakly wrinkled; fda triangular. Left phallomere with elongate and curved paa, its distal end sharp and sclerotized, paa anterior margin one-fourth to one-third with one or two short projections; afa strongly sclerotized, rounded, anterior margin obliquely curved dorsally, surface granulated; L4B curved spoon-shaped. Ventral phallomere (Fig. 49) nearly rhomboidal; sdpm elongated, blunt finger-like and slightly curved dorsally, distal end and right margin sclerotized and surface with numerous denticulation; sdpl slightly protruding (blunt projection). Female (Figs 35, 37, 39, 40). Similar to male, with following differences. Head (Fig. 37): Vertex convex. Head width 1.1× as long as length. Antenna as long as pronotum. Prothorax (Figs 39, 40): Pronotum length 2.9–3.0× as long as maximum width. Metazone 2–3× as long as prozone. Ootheca (Figs 50, 51). Measurements (mm): Length 17.2–25.1; maximum width 11.4–14.3; maximum height 9.3–10.5; length of emergence area 17.0–21.6; width of emergence area 3.2–5.3. Identification: Oblong, nearly hemispherical in cross-section. External wall bright brown to brown (Fig. 50). External coating beige on egg chamber surface, pale on emergence area (flap). Exhibiting ~ 20–30 egg chambers (Fig. 51) clearly delimited by visible slightly curved lips. Distal end of ootheca narrowed into residual process; residual process attached to substrate. Nymph. First instar nymph: Body brown, vertex dorsal apex with pair of dark spots. Mid to last instar nymph: In brown morph, dorsal surface of body with a few stripes.

Figures 34–46. 

Habitus, head, pronotum and foreleg of Mantis religiosa sinica 34 male dorsal aspect 35 female dorsal aspect 36 male face 37 female face 38 male pronotum 39 female pronotum (inland) 40 female pronotum (Gureopdo island) 41 furcasternite 42 foreleg ventral aspect (live specimens) 43 coxa ventral aspect 44 forleg ventral aspect 45 foreleg interior aspect 46 foreleg dorsal aspect. Abbreviation: Tsg = tibial spur groove. Red arrows = dark spots of furcasternite.

Mantis religiosa sinica is sparsely distributed on the Korean Peninsula. This species prefers broad grasslands and bushy areas, comprised of shrubs and grass in sandy fields as its habitat. It exhibits positive phototaxis, meaning it is attracted to light. When threatened, it makes a hissing sound by rubbing its hindwings against the abdomen. The first instar nymphs hatch from the end of May onwards while the adults emerge in August.

China, Japan, South Korea.

Mantis religiosa (Linnaeus) is a widely distributed Paleotropical and Holarctic species (Lia 2007; Patel and Singh 2016; Otte et al. 2024). Bazyluk (1960) and Roy (1968) provided illustrations of the sdpm variations and Schwarz and Roy (2019) presented figures of male genitalia. Additional morphological information was provided by Ehrmann and Borer (2015), Shcherbakov and Anisyutkin (2018), and Shcherbakov and Govorov (2020). Bazyluk (1960) classified this species as the subspecies M. religiosa sinica, which is found in East Asia including Korea. The population on Gureopdo Island exhibits a shorter pronotum, smaller body size, and shorter forewing length compared to inland populations. However, there are minimal genetic differences in the partial COI regions (0%–0.2%). Furthermore, all specimens were supported as a single lineage using COI on both NJ and PA trees (Fig. 138).

Figures 47–51. 

Metathorax, male genitalia and ootheca of Mantis religiosa sinica 47 metathorax episterum 48 subgenital plate 49 male genitalia (small box = variation of sdpl) 50 ootheca (dorsal aspect) 51 ootheca (lateral asepct). Red arrow = dark pattern.

Pseudomantis nemoralis Saussure, 1870

Medium sized mantises. Vertex nearly flat. Pronotum slender. Ventral surface of foreleg shiny, densely patterned, forcoxa proximal area with dark pattern. Tibial spur groove with whitish yellow to yellow spots. Male inter-stylar margin notched. Male genitalia: sdpl and sdpm well developed, angled at 90°.

[KsNU] South Korea: CN: 1♂, Mt. Bongsoo, Daechung-myeon, Yesan-gun, 18 V 2017 Hongjoon Choi; JB: 1♀, Eunpa Lake, Jigok-dong, Gunsan-si, 3 IX 2016; Donghwan Na; 1♀, Miryong-dong, Gunsan-si, 27 VI 2017, Eunhye Jeon; [NASIC] South Korea: GW: 1♂, Ssangyong, Yeongwol-gun, 30 IX 1999, Miae Kim; GG: 1♀, Mt. Umyeon, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 1 IX 1991, Jiyung Oh; 1♀, Jamsil 6-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 20 X 1997, Soyeon Kim; 1♀, Mt. Nam, Hada-ri, Heungcheon-myeon, Yeoju-si, 3 IX 2000, Yeongbo Lee; 1♀, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 4 IX 2000, Taewoo Kim; 1♂, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 20 IX 2000, Taewoo Kim; 1♂, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 20 IX 2001, Jeonghun Hwang; ♂1, Haguidong, Uiwang-si, 24 IX 2003, Jeongsun Lee; 1♂, Mt. Gwanggyo, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, 10 X 2003, Mikyeong Ahn; CB: 1♀, Mt. Nam, Cheongju-si, 8 VIII 2000, Hyea Lee; 1♂, Geumseok-ri, Geumwang-eup, Eumseong-gun, 14 IX 2019, Seong-Gyu Lee; CN: 1♂1♀, Coastal Dune, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 1 IX 2005, Yeongbo Lee; GB: 1♀, Mt. Sobaek, Punggi-gun, 5 IX 2000, Miae Kim; 1♂3♀, Mt. Angi, Songhyeon-dong, Andong-si, VIII 2022, Jaeil Shim; 2♂6♀, Hotel Interburgo, Manchon-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu-si 29 X 2023, Jaeil Shim; GN: 1♂, Sinhyeon-ri, Geoje island, Geoje-si, 11 IX 2002, Miae Kim; 2♂1♀, Mundong Waterfall, Geoje-si, 19 IX 2006, Miae Kim; ♀1 (green), Recreational Forest, Dongbu-myeon, Geojedo, Geoje-si, 29 IX 2020, Wonjun Sung; JB: 2♂4♀, Gueok, Yongjin-myeon, Wanju, 13 VIII 2013, Hanjun Bae; 1♂, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 26 VII 2016, Taeman Han; 1♀, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 29 VII 2014, Kyusuk Lee; 1♂1♀, Apartment, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 6 VIII 2015, Kyusuk Lee; 1♀ (green), National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 24 VIII 2016, Hyeop Lee; 1♀, Miryong-dong, Gunsan-si, 27 VI 2017, Eunhye Jeon; 2♂, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 23 VIII 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♂2♀, Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 7 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 7♂5♀, Jangsu-eup, Jangsu-gun, 5 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; JN: 3♀, Geumgok-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju-si, 20 III 2021, Jaeil Shim; 4♀, Near Yeosu Airport, Sinpung-ri, Yulchon-myeon, Yeosu-si, IX 2021, Byeongmin Jeong; 2♂1♀, Is. Bogil-do, Bogil-myoen, Wando-gun, 2 III 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from ootheca); 8♂9♀, Island Yeoseodo, Yeoseo-ri, Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, VI 2023, Jaeil shim (reared from Ootheca); JJ: 1♂, Seonheul-ri, Jeju-si, 28 IX 2000, Taewoo Kim; 1♂, Sinae 1-ri, Jeju-si, 18 X 2001, Mikyeong Ahn; 1♂, Bijarim Forest, Jeju-si, 22 IX 2006, Miae Kim; Japan: 1♂, Asakura, Kyushu, 24 VIII 2013, Sangwook Park; [NIBR] South Korea: GG: 1♀, Namhansanseong, Seongnam, 28 IX 1997, Jeong Yun Chang.

Figures 52–62. 

Habitus, head, pronotum and foreleg of Statilia maculata 52 male dorsal aspect 53 female dorsal aspect 54 female dorsal aspect (green morpho-type) 55 male face 56 female face 57 male pronotum 58 female pronotum 59 furcasternite (brown morpho-type) 60 furcasternite (green morpho-type) 61 femur ventral aspect (green morpho-type) 62 foreleg ventral aspect (live specimens). Abbreviation: Tsg = tibial spur groove. Red arrows = dark spot of furcasternite.

Measurements (mm): Total length (vertex to tip of abdomen) ♂ 35.2–43.1, ♀ 43.7–57.7; head width ♂ 4.5–5.0, ♀ 5.4–5.8; head length ♂ 2.9–3.2, ♀ 4.1–4.3; pronotum width ♂ 2.9–3.2, ♀ 4.4–4.6; pronotum length ♂ 12.1–14.0, ♀ 14.0–15.3; forewing (tegmina) length ♂ 26.4–31.2, ♀ 33.1–36.1. Male (Figs 52, 55, 57, 63–68) Medium sized, body slender. Coloration (Figs 52, 53): Beige to dark brown. Head (Fig. 55): Triangular. Head width 1.5–1.6× length. Vertex flat; dark transverse stripe on dorsal apex. Vertex and juxtaocular bulge with sparse, pale, transversely striped pattern. Compound eye large, globular, protruding laterally; in live specimens, dorsal and lateral surface with two brightly colored lines. Ocelli large, oblong. Antenna filiform, slightly longer than pronotum. Lower frons posterior apex protruding very slightly. Epistomal sulcus slightly concave. Prothorax (Fig. 57): Pronotum slender, narrow; length 4.1–4.3× as long as maximum width; dorsal surface smooth. Pronotum lateral margin with numerous denticles. Medial keel protruding. Metazone 3× as long as prozone. Membranous area between basis of forecoxa attachment, shiny and pinkish pearl in color (in live specimens). Furcasternite (Fig. 59) anterior area with rectangular dark spot, remaining posterior area reddish brown to magenta. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 62–65): Coxa very slender, triangular; dorsal margin (Figs 59, 62) with 6–8 white spines; proximal area of ventral surface (Fig. 59) with large and shiny rectangular black spot. Coxal lobes divided from each other. Femur ventral surface shiny, with two black spots (Figs 62, 63), large rectangular spot preceding the tibial spur groove, linear spot (transverse line) distad to tibial spur grooves; tibial spur groove (Fig. 63) with white or whitish yellow pattern; distal area of ventral surface (Fig. 62) pale pink to magenta (in live specimens). Spination formula: Avts = 11; Pvts = 6–7; Avfs = 14; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. Tarsomere ventral surface (euplantula) dark brown. Basal rim of Pvts with dark spot. In 14 Avfs (Figs 63, 64): spines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 larger in size than remaining Avfs; spines 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 black, with small dark spot at the base. Meso- and metathoracic legs: Tarsi 5-segmented. Wings (Fig. 66): Forewing completely surpassing the end of abdomen. Stigma elongate, slightly protruding. Hindwing costal area reddish brown; discoidal area with darkish smoky mottled pattern but cross veins clearly transparent. Abdomen: Cerci setose, not flattened, brown, with 14 segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 67) irregular rhomboidal, inter-stylar margin deeply notched in V-shape. Styli rather long. Male genitalia (Fig. 68): Right phallomere forming a V-shape pva; pia sclerotized and weakly wrinkled; fda triangular. Left phallomere with elongate and curved paa, surface smooth, distal end blunt and slightly swollen; afa sclerotized, small and irregularly rough, surface weakly granulated; L4B C-shaped. Ventral phallomere (Fig. 68) irregular rhomboidal; sdpm sclerotized, wide triangular; sdpl anteriorly curved hook-shaped with blunt apex, margin between sdpm and sdpl flat or slightly concave. Female (Figs 53, 56, 58, 59). Similar to male, with following differences. Coloration (Fig. 53): Body and forewing color beige to dark brown. Head (Fig. 56): width 1.3× as long as length. Antenna 2× longer than prozone length. Prothorax (Figs 58): Pronotum length 3.1–3.3× as long as maximum width. Green morphotype female (Figs 54, 60, 61). Prothorax: Rectangular black spot (Fig. 60) of furcasternite absent or very weakly developed, remaining posterior area greenish. Forlegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 60, 61): Tibial spur grooves (Fig. 61) with rectangular pale spotted pattern. Distal area of femur ventral surface pale pink or green. Wings (Fig. 54): Hindwing transparent or anal area with few mottled dark spots. Ootheca (Figs 69, 70). Measurements (mm): Length 20.4–28.9; maximum width 6.1–10.2; maximum height 6.4–8.3; length of emergence area 15.3–24.2; width of emergence area 2.2–3.5. Identification: Fusiform in shape, nearly hemispherical in cross-section. Proximal end with medial elevation of emergence area. Ootheca attached by its ventral surface. External wall bright brown. External coating weakly covering lateral zone of emergence area; beige in color. Exhibiting ~ 25–50 egg chambers clearly delimited by visible prominently oblique lips (Fig. 70). Distal end of ootheca narrowed into residual process, greatly elongated, and attached to substrate. Nymph. First instar nymph: Body dark brown, leg with few brightly colored stripes. Mid to last instar nymph: Forefemur distal area (pale pink to magenta) covered by mottled black or brown spots.

Figures 63–70. 

Foreleg, wings, male genitalia and ootheca of Statilia maculata 63 foreleg ventral aspect 64 foreleg interior aspect 65 foreleg dorsal aspect 66 wings 67 subgenital plate 68 male genitalia 69 ootheca (dorsal aspect) 70 ootheca (lateral asepct). Abbreviation: Ts = tibial spur Tsg = tibial spur groove. Red arrow = stigma.

Statilia maculata is found throughout the Korean Peninsula. This species has shown a remarkable adaptability to urban and suburban environments, and is often observed on building walls and streetlights, exhibiting positive phototaxis. They are known to deposit their oothecae under stones and in cracks of tree bark. Notably, S. maculata is capable of producing a hissing sound by rubbing its hindwings and abdomen together. This species typically hatches in early June, with adults emerging in the middle of August.

China, Japan, Nepal, South Korea, Taiwan. Invasive in Eastern USA and Russia.

Statilia maculata is predominantly found in the eastern Palearctic regions (S. maculata has also been introduced to Eastern USA and Russia), whereas S. nemoralis is described from the Philippines and, erroneously, from various Southeast Asian countries (Ehrmann 2002; Patel and Singh 2016; Schwarz et al. 2018). These two species, with S. nobilis (Brunner de Wattenwyl, 1893), are frequently confused in the taxonomic literature, leading to numerous misidentifications (see details in Schwarz et al. 2018); for example, both S. nobilis and S. maculata have been erroneously reported as S. nemoralis (Wang 1993; Jeon et al. 1999; Oshima 2017; Schwarz et al. 2018; Oshima 2020; Shcherbakov and Govorov 2020). Notably, the green morph is relatively uncommon in female S. maculata (Fig. 54) but prevalent in both sexes of S. nobilis and S. nemoralis (Zhu et al. 2012; Ehrmann and Borer 2015; Schwarz et al. 2018).

Jeon et al. (1999) initially reported S. nemoralis in Korea based on two female specimens lacking black spots on the furcasternite. Differences in the male genitalia, specifically the margins of the sdpl and sdpm, are reliable for distinguishing between S. maculata and S. nobilis (Schwarz et al. 2018). On the other hand, the lack of a black spot on the furcasternite is a common feature of the green morph of S. maculata. The occurrence of the Philippine Statilia nemoralis is continental SE Asia needs confirmation. Subsequent examinations revealed that the specimens initially identified by Jeon et al. (1999) as S. nemoralis were, in fact, misidentifications of S. maculata.

Mantis fasciata Manuel, 1797

Large sized mantises. Male body slender, female robust. Ventral surface of forefemur patterned with minute spots. Area between forecoxae attachment point of yellow to orange in color. Hindwing with dark mottled pattern. Abdominal sternites with yellowish longitudinal stripes at middle. Male genitalia: aafa and pafa well developed, pafa spoon- or blade-shaped; loa elongate (Jensen et al. 2010).

[KsNU] South Korea: JB: 1♀, River Geumgang, Gunsan- si, 15 IX 2012, Hyojoong Kim, near the river mouth; 1♂, Kunsan Nat. Univ., Gunsan-si, 15 X 2015, Soyeon Kim; 1♀, Eunpa Lake, Gunsan-si, 10 V 2016, Sihyun Kim; 1♀, Kunsan Nat. Univ., Gunsan-si, 20 VIII 2017, Juyeong Oh; [NASIC] South Korea: GW: 1♂, Songjuk Coastal area, Ganseong-eup, 19 IX 2001, Miae Kim; GG: 1♂, Gaepo-dong, Seoul, 1 IX 1991, Hyeonjeong Jo; 2 Nymphs, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 13 VIII 1998, Graduate School of Korea Univ.; 1♂, Gosaek-dong, Suwon-si, 20 VIII 1998, Seongsun Jang, ridge of rice field; 1♂, Yulgeuk 2-ri, Heungcheon-myeon, Yeoju-si, 24 VIII 1998, Yeongbo Lee, ridge of rice field; 1♂, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 11 IX 1998, Graduate School of Korea Univ.; 1♂1♀, Yulgeuk 2-ri, Heungcheon- myeon, Yeoju-si, 30 IX 1999, Yeongbo Lee, ridge of rice field; 1 Nmyph, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 6 VII 2000, Taewoo Kim; 3 Nmyphs, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 20 VII 2000, Taewoo Kim; 2♂1♀, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 20 IX 2000, Taewoo Kim; 5 Nymphs, Shihwa, Siheung-si, 30 VII 2003, Jaecheon Son; 1♂, Sinheung College, Howon-dong, Uijeongbu-si, 26 IX 2005, Jindong Yeo; 5 Nymphs, World Cup Park, Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 20 VII 2013, Yeongbo Lee; CB: 1♀, Mt. Nam, Cheongju-si, 24 VIII 2000, Heeah Lee; 1♀, Maebong peak, Mt. Songni, Boeun-gun, 17 IX 2002, Yeongbo Lee; 1♀, Maebong peak, Mt. Songni, Boeun-gun, 18 IX 2002, Haechul Park; 1♀, Box office, Mt. Songni, Jangam-ri, Boeun-gun, 30 IX 2002, Jaecheon Son; 1♂1♀, Gamgok-myeon, Eumseong-gun, 31 VIII 2019, Byeongmin Jeong; 1♀, Parking area of Cheongju Airport, Ipsang-ri, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, 15 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; CN: 1♂, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 1 IX 2001, Haechul Park, grassland; 1 Nymph, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 1 IX 2005, Jaecheon Son; 2♀, Coastal Dune, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 12 VIII 2023, Jaeil Shim, near the grassland; GB: 1♂, Rest area of expressway, Chilgok-gun, 8 IX 2000, Taewoo Kim; 2♀, Mt. Palgong, Daegu, 1 IX 2014, Taeman Han; 2♂1♀, Gomo station, Suseong-gu, Daegu, 3 IX 2016, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, Gomo station, Suseong-gu, Daegu, 14 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♂6♀, Mangudang park, Hyomok-dong, Daegu-si 29 X 2023, Jaeil Shim; GN: 2♀, Yonggang-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, 15 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; JB: 1♀, Jeonbuk Nat. Univ., Jeonju-si, 17 X 2017, Sunyeong Park; 1♀, Jinan-Maisan Rest area of expressway, Jinan-gun, 22 VIII 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 31 VIII 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♀, Jangsu-eup, Jangsu-gun, 5 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 2♂5♀, Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 7 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, Temple Geumsansa, Gimje-gun, Gimje-si, 5 IX 2020, Jaeil Shim; JN: 2♀, Myeongsasimni, Coastal Dune, Island Bigeumdo, Sinan-gun, 22 IX 2001, Haechul Park; JJ: 1♀, Island Udo, Jeju-si, 10 X 1999, Taewoo Kim.

Figures 71–81. 

Habitus, head, pronotum and foreleg of Tenodera angustipennis 71 male dorsal aspect 72 female dorsal aspect 73 male face 74 female face 75 male pronotum 76 female pronotum (small sized) 77 female pronotum (large sized) 78 foreleg ventral aspect 79 foreleg interior aspect 80 foreleg dorsal aspect 81 ventral aspect of foreleg and furcasternite (live specimens). Abbreviation: Tsg = tibial spur groove. Red arrows = dark spot near the tibial spur groove.

Measurements (mm): Total length (vertex to tip of abdomen) ♂ 44.2–63.3, ♀ 51.2–86.6; head width ♂ 5.9–6.5, ♀ 6.9–7.8; head length ♂ 4.5–4.9, ♀ 5.6–6.7; pronotum width ♂ 4.3–4.9, ♀ 4.9–6.4; pronotum length ♂ 18.0–22.3, ♀ 19.2–25.0; forewing (tegmina) length ♂ 38.4–48.2, ♀ 38.1–55.2. Male (Figs 71, 73, 75, 78–80, 82–86). Large sized, body slender. Coloration (Figs 71, 82): Body and forewing discoidal area green, greenish brown and brown. Head (Fig. 73): Triangular. Head width 1.3× as long as head length. Vertex slightly convex, brown; apex with a bright brown transverse line. Compound eye globular. Ocelli large, oblong. Antenna filiform; antenna length nearly 1.5× as long as pronotum. Lower frons posterior apex slightly protruding. Epistomal sulcus slightly concave. Lower frons with three, clypeus and labrum with two dark longitudinal stripes. Prothorax (Fig. 75): Pronotum long and slender, flatted dorso-ventrally, dorsal surface smooth; length 4.1–4.4× as long as maximum width. Prozone lateral margin with few denticulations in large sized specimens. Metazone color orangish in green morph; lateral margin smooth; metazone 3.4–4.7× as long as prozone. Between basis of forecoxa attachment membranous surface (Fig. 81) orange (in live specimen). Postcervical plate and anterior area of furcasternite with gradational dark pattern in brown morph (Fig. 81) and occasionally in green morph. Medial keel brownish (Fig. 76). Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 78–81): Coxa (Fig. 81) dorsal margin with pale color, 7–10 whitish spines, conical or blunt; ventral surface with pale and dark pattern on proximal area in brown morph; remaining surface with numerous white spots. Tibial spur groove (Figs 78, 81) with faint dark spot. Spination formula (Figs 78–80): Avts = 12–17; Pvts = 9; Avfs = 14–16; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. In 15 Avfs (Figs 78, 79): spines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 larger than remaining Avfs; spines 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 with dark brown spot at the base. Each tarsomere (Fig. 78) distal area dark brown. Tarsi 5-segmented. Wings (Figs 82–84): Forewing completely surpassing end of abdomen; costal area green, discoidal area transparent. Forewing (Fig. 82) subcosta and radius brown, its color obviously darker than other veins. Hindwing anal area hyaline and nearly transparent in green morph (Fig. 82), brownish and smoky spotted pattern in brown morph (Fig. 83); arculus veins (Fig. 84) and nearby cells mostly transparent; cross veins of subcostal and cubitus area brown to dark brown. Abdomen: A longitudinal yellow stripe in middle of abdominal sternites; abdominal sternites with brightly colored mottled pattern. Cerci setose, not flattened, with 17 segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 85) irregular rhomboidal, inter-stylar margin extremely convex; ventral surface with numerous setae. Styli rather short. Male genitalia (Fig. 86): Right phallomere forming nearly V-shaped pva; pia sclerotized and weakly wrinkled; posterior surface of pia with weakly expanded membranous area, surface with minute denticulation; fda elongate lobed shape. Left phallomere (Fig. 86) with elongate and curved paa, its distal apex rounded; aafa sclerotized, straight spike shape; pafa sclerotized, curved at more than 45° arch, wide blade-shaped, outer margin with numerous decumbent spines; loa membranous, elongate finger-shaped, longer than pafa; L4B curved spoon-shaped. Ventral phallomere irregular rhomboidal, posterior margin prominently expanded; sdpl (Fig. 86) more than 90° angle at the middle. Female (Figs 72, 74, 77). Similar to male, with following differences. Head (Fig. 74): width 1.1 to 1.2× as long as head length. Vertex convex. Antenna as long as head to pronotum length. Prothorax (Figs 76, 77): Pronotum length 3.8–3.9× as long as maximum width; lateral margin with numerous denticles. Prozone dorsal surface with numerous blunted denticles. Metazone 2.8–3.1× as long as prozone. Medial keel protruding, pale brown or occasionally green in green morph. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs): Coxa dorsal margin with 7–13 large conical spines, small denticles located between them. Wings: Forewing often reaching end of abdomen; discoidal area semi-transparent. Ootheca (Fig. 87). Measurements (mm): Length 21.8–39.7; maximum width 10.1–13.7; maximum height 7.1–11.0; length of emergence area 15.0–31.0; width of emergence area 3.2–4.3. Identification: Fusiform, nearly hemispherical in cross-section. Proximal end with medial elevation of emergence area. Ootheca attached by ventral surface or fully encircling a thin substrate such as sticks. External wall bright brown. External coating covering almost entire surface of ootheca except lateral zone of emergence area; beige. Lateral side of emergence area prominently concave (Fig. 87). Exhibiting ~ 18–29 egg chambers clearly delimited by visible prominently oblique lips; lips occasionally invisible on new oothecae due to covering by external coating. Distal end of ootheca narrowed to residual process; greatly elongate and attached to substrate. Nymph. Mid to last instar nymph: Avfs 1 and last Avfs base to tibial spur groove with dark spotted pattern; between forecoxa basis membranous attachment surface orange.

Figures 82–87. 

Wings, male genitalia and ootheca of Tenodera angustipennis. 82 wings (green morpho-type) 83 hindwing (brown morpho-type) 84 hindwing venations 85 subgenital plate 86 male genitalia 87 ootheca (dorsal aspect). Red arrow = arculus area.

Tenodera angustipennis occurs throughout the Korean peninsula and both adults and oothecae can be commonly found on trees and shrubs. First instar nymphs hatch from late May to mid-June, and adults emerge in mid-August.

China, India, Japan, Java, South Korea. Invasive in NE USA and Hawaii.

Tenodera angustipennis is morphologically similar to T. sinensis in Korea but can be distinguished by their more slender bodies, the pronotum length/width ratio, the orange coloration between the forecoxa base (Oshima 2018) (Fig. 81), lack of reddish coloration on the hindwing radius area (Figs 82–84), and the pointed, perpendicular apex of the aafa (Fig. 86).

[KsNU] South Korea: JB: 1♂, Eunpa Lake, Gunsan-si, 8 XI 2016, Donghwan Na; [NASIC] South Korea: GW: 2 Nymphs, Balsan 2-ri, Chuncheon-si, 12 VI 1998, Sungsoon Jang; 1♀, Jinburyeong, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, 29 IX 2000, Taehwa Kang; 1 Nymph, Ingye-ri, Okgye-myeon, Gangneung-si, 15 VIII 2002, Jingoo Yeo; 3♂, Mt. Odae, Hongcheong-gun, 29 VIII 2019, Jaeil Shim; GG: 1♂, Mijang-ri, Samjuk-myeon, Anseong-si, 17 IX 2000, Yeongbo Lee; 1♂, Mt. Cheolma, Incheon, 26 VIII 2001, Taewoo Kim; 1 Nymph, Shihwa, Siheung-si, 30 VII 2003, Jaecheon Son; 1 Nymph, Temple Jeondeungsa, Onsu-ri, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, 4 IX 2009, Yeongbo Lee; 1♀, Jikdong-ri, Sohol-eup, Pocheon-si, 7 IX 2011, Yeongbo Lee; 2 Nymphs, Temple Bogwangsa, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, 10 VII 2013, Yeongbo Lee; 3 Nymphs, World Cup Park, Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 21 VII 2013, Yeongbo Lee; 2 Nymphs, Noel Park, Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 30 VII 2013, Yeongbo Lee;); 1♂, Island Gureopdo, Gureop-ri, Deokjeok-myeon, Incheon, 28 VI 2023, Jaeil Shim, Wonjun Sung (reared from nymph); CB: 1 Nymph, Magok-ri, Bongyang-eup, Jecheon-si, 13 VII 2005, Taehwa Kang; 1♀, Gamgok-myeon, Eumseong-gun, 31 VIII 2019, Byeongmin Jeong; 3♂, Geumseok-ri, Geumwang-eup, Eumseong-gun, 14 IX 2019, Seong-Gyu Lee; 1♂, Jeongbang-ri, Annae-myeon, Okcheon-gun, 12 X 2000, Yeongbo Lee; CN: 1♀, Mt. Sikjang, Daejeon, 14 VIII 2019, Geonheyok Kim (reared from nymph); 4♂, Coastal Dune, Sindu-ri, Wonbuk-myeon, Taean-gun, 12 VIII 2023, Jaeil Shim, near the grassland; GB: 1 Nymph, Geumgok-ri, Byeonggok- myeon, Yeongdeok-gun, 1 VII 2009, Yeongbo Lee, Hoyeon Jeong; GN: 4♀, Mt. Noja, Dongbu- myeon, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 15 IX 2021, Jaeil Shim; JB: 1♀, Hoyja 3-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, 28 VIII 2014, Taeman Han; 1♂, Deokjin Park, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, 6 IX 2018, Junhee Park; 1♀, Jeonju riverside, Jeonju-si, 15 IX 2018, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 6 X 2018, Hyeon-Ha Yoo; 1♂, Jinan-Maisan Rest area of expressway, Jinan-gun, 22 VIII 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♀, Jeonju Univ., Jeonju-si, 4 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, Jangsu-eup, Jangsu-gun, 5 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 11♂2♀, Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 7 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 3♂, Temple Geumsansa, Gimje-gun, Gimje-si, 5 IX 2020, Jaeil Shim; JN: 1♂, Myeongsasimni, Coastal Dune, Island Bigeumdo, Sinan-gun, 22 IX 2001, Haechul Park; 1♀, Island Gogeumdo, Wando-gun, 3 IX 2003, Mikyung Ahn; 1♂1♀, Bukyi-myeon, Jangseong-gun, 20 VIII 2021, Jaeil Shim;); 2♂1♀, Island Yeoseodo, Yeoseo-ri, Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, VI 2023, Jaeil shim (reared from nymph); JJ: 1♀, Ihoteawu Beach, Jeju-si, 26 VIII 2014, Taeman Han, windbreak forest; 2 Nymphs, Gwangchigi Beach, Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, 16 V 2021, Jaeil Shim.

Figures 88–97. 

Habitus, head, pronotum and foreleg of Tenodera sinensis 88 male dorsal aspect 89 female dorsal aspect 90 male face 91 female face 92 male pronotum 93 female pronotum 94 ventral aspect of foreleg and furcasternite (live specimens) 95 foreleg ventral aspect 96 foreleg interior aspect 97 foreleg tibia and tarsus (dorsal aspect). Abbreviation: Tsg = tibial spur groove. Red arrows = dark spot near the tibial spur groove.

Measurements (mm): Total length (vertex to tip of abdomen) ♂ 54.2–89.1, ♀ 58.2–100.8; head width ♂ 5.9–6.5, ♀ 6.9–7.8; head length ♂ 4.5–4.9, ♀ 5.6–6.7; pronotum width ♂ 4.3–5.6, ♀ 4.9–7.4; pronotum length ♂ 18.0–24.3, ♀ 19.2–27.0; forewing (tegmina) length ♂ 38.4–55.2, ♀ 38.1–63.2. Male (Figs 88, 90, 92, 95–101). Large to very large. Coloration (Figs 88, 98): Body and forewing discoidal area green to greenish brown or brown. Head (Fig. 90): Triangular. Head width 1.2× as long as head. Vertex slightly convex, brownish; apex with a bright brown transverse line (in live specimens). Ocelli large, oblong. Antenna nearly 1.5× as long as pronotum. Epistomal sulcus slightly concave. Lower frons, clypeus, and labrum with two darkish longitudinal stripes. Prothorax (Fig. 92): Pronotum long but robust, flattened dorso-ventrally, dorsal surface smooth; pronotum length 3.8–4.0× as long as maximum width. Prozone lateral margin and dorsal surface with minute denticles. Metazone (Fig. 92) often orangish; lateral margin smooth; 3.0–3.2× as long as prozone. Between forecoxa basis membranous attachment surface yellow (Fig. 94). Postcervical plate reddish in brown morph (Fig. 94), anterior area of furcasternite with gradational dark pattern in brown morph, its pattern occasionally occurring in green morph. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 94–97): Coxa dorsal margin with 14–17 whitish conical spines; ventral surface of coxa proximal area with gradational dark pattern (Fig. 94); remaining surface with numerous small white spots. Tibial spur groove with faint dark spot (Fig. 94). Spination formula (Figs 95–97): Avts = 14–15; Pvts = 8–10; Avfs = 14–17; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. In 16 Avfs (Figs 95, 96): spines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 larger than remaining Avfs. Tarsomere distal end dark brown. Tarsi 5-segmented. Wings (Fig. 98): Forewing completely surpassing the end of abdomen. Forewing costal area green, discoidal area transparent. Hindwing venation brown, cross veins and cells of subcostal to radius area reddish to magenta; radius to cubitus proximal area, near cells of arculus veins dark brown (Fig. 98); anal area with dark brownish smoky pattern. Abdomen (Figs 99, 100): Middle of the abdominal sternites with longitudinal yellow stripe pattern (Fig. 99). Cerci setose, not flattened, with 17–20 segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 100) irregular rhomboidal, inter-stylar margin convex at the middle; ventral surface with numerous setae. Styli rather short. Male genitalia (Fig. 101): Right phallomere forming nearly V-shaped pva; pia sclerotized and weakly wrinkled; posterior surface of pia (Fig. 101) with membranous wide hump, surface with minute denticulation; fda elongate lobe shape. Left phallomere (Fig. 101) with elongated and curved paa, its apex round; aafa sclerotized, surface smooth, weakly bulbous spike-shaped basally, apically curved dorso-laterally; pafa sclerotized, nearly 90° angle, arched wide blade-shaped (apex expanded), posterior and apical margin of pafa with numerous spines; loa membranous, elongate finger-shaped, much longer than pafa; L4B curved spoon-shaped. Ventral phallomere irregular rhomboidal; posterior margin prominently expanded; sdpl hardly sclerotized, curved at ~ 45° at middle, its distal half slightly thicker and more sclerotized and melanized than basal, point of sdpl tips shallowly concave. Female (Figs 89, 91, 93, 94). Similar to male, with following differences. Head (Fig. 91): width 1.1× as long as head length. Vertex convex. Antenna as long as pronotum. Ocelli smaller than male. Prothorax (Fig. 93): Pronotum length 2.8–2.9× as long as maximum width; lateral margin with numerous denticles. Prozone with numerous blunt denticles on dorsal surface. Medial keel protruded. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs): Coxa dorsal margin (Fig. 94) with 14–20 large conical spines (with sharp tips), small denticles located between them. Wings: Forewing occasionally reaching end of abdomen. Abdomen: Elongate oval, much broader than in male. Cerci with 15–17 segments. Ootheca (Fig. 102). Measurements (mm): Length 30.0–42.2; maximum width 22.2–27.6; maximum height 20.7–24.9; length of emergence area 18.4–32.8; width of emergence area 5.2–5.5. Identification: Barrel-like shape, mostly circular in cross-section. Ootheca attached to flat substrate by its ventral surface or fully encircling substrates such as sticks. External wall with very thick air-filled area, colored beige to bright brown. External coating covering entire surface of ootheca; beige in color. Emergence area depressed. Exhibiting ~ 15–29 egg chambers; lips invisible due to very thick air-filled layer of ootheca. Distal end of ootheca obliquely truncate. Nymph. Mid to last instar nymph: Avfs 1 base (near femoral brush), last Avfs base to tibial spur groove area with dark spotted pattern; between forecoxa basis attachment membranous surface yellow.

Figures 98–102. 

Wings, abdomen, male genitalia and ootheca of Tenodera sinensis 98 wings 99 male abdomenal sternites (above: green morpho-type below: brown morpho-type) 100 subgenital plate 101 male genitalia (small box = lateral aspect of aafa) 102 ootheca (left: dorsal aspect right above: lateral aspect right below: distal aspect). Red arrow = arculus area.

Tenodera sinensis occurs throughout the Korean peninsula and has adapted well to urban, suburban, and riverside environments. It spawns ootheca in various locations, such as on stones, tree trunks, and branches. First instar nymphs hatch from mid-April to mid-May, while adult mantises typically emerge in mid-August.

China, Nepal, Japan, Russia, Thailand, South Korea. Invasive in Canada and the USA.

Tenodera sinensis was originally described as a variation of the widely distributed species Tenodera aridifolia (Stoll, 1813), and treated as a subspecies for quite a long time (Saussure 1871b; Rehn 1903; Shiraki 1932; Beier 1932; Tinkham 1937; Bazyluk 1977; Iwasaki 1996; Bruins 1999), but already Giglio-Tos (1927) and Ehrmann (2002) considered T. sinensis as a valid species. Tenodera aridifolia and T. sinensis are extremely close and morphologically very similar (Ehrmann and Borer 2015), but Jensen et al. (2010) provide differences in male genitalia of T. sinensis and T. aridifolia. According to Jensen et al. (2010), it is a distinctly divided sister species pair based on phylogeny using nuclear genes (histone III, wingless gene) and mitochondrial genes (large and small rRNA, cytochrom oxidase II). Tenodera aridifolia is found in tropical and subtropical regions but is replaced by T. sinensis in temperate habitats. Our study used one male West Javan T. aridifolia specimen to comparatively examine and recovered remarkable characters from T. sinensis including the narrow pronotum (length/maximum width = 5.1) and forewing, a smaller head proportional to body size, short and stout aafa, pafa, and sdpl curved at ~ 45° (Mukherjee et al. 1995; Jensen et al. 2010).

Hierodula membranacea Burmeister, 1838

Pronotum clavate. Furcasternite in Korean specimens with spotted pattern or reddish coloration. Forewing stigma triangular, whitish to yellow. Hindwing transparent (Fig. 115). Male subgenital plate margin with numerous black spines. Male genitalia: afa hook- or boat-shaped; maa well developed.

[NASIC] South Korea: CB: 1 Nymph, Sannam-dong, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, 18 VII 2023, NASIC; GB: 1♀, Namtong-dong, Gumi-si 10 X 2023, Jaeil Shim; 1♀, Mangudang park, Hyomok-dong, Daegu-si 29 X 2023, Jaeil Shim; GN: 2♀, Yonggang-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, 15 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; JB: 3♂1♀, Jeonbuk Art Museum, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 9 IX 2018, Jaeil Shim; 1♂, Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 13 IX 2018, Jaeil Shim; 5♂3♀ Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 7 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 6♀, Jeonbuk Art Museum, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 5 IX 2020, Jaeil Shim; 3♂, Jeonbuk Art Museum, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 19 IX 2020, Jaeil Shim; 5♂2♀, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 20 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; JN: 2 Nymphs 1♂, Cheongso-ri, Seo-myeon, Suncheon-si, 17 VIII 2019, Jaeil Shim; 2 Nymphs, Haesan-dong, Yeosu-si, 20 VII 2022, Jaeil Shim.

Figures 103–114. 

Habitus, head, pronotum, foreleg and hindleg of Hierodula chinensis 103 male dorsal aspect 104 female dorsal aspect 105 male face 106 female face 107 male pronotum 108 female pronotum (live specimens) 109 furcasternite (live specimens) 110 foreleg coxa ventral aspect (right: male left: live female) 111 foreleg ventral aspect 112 foreleg interior aspect 113 foreleg dorsal aspect 114 hindleg femur (interior aspect). Red arrows = dark spot of foreleg trochanter. White arrow = dark spot of joint.

Figures 115–120. 

Wings, male genitalia and ootheca of Hierodula chinensis 115 wings of male 116 female forewing stigma 117 male forewing stigma 118 male subgenital plate 119 male genitalia 120 ootheca (left: dorsal aspect right: lateral aspect). Red arrows = stigma.

See Shim et al. (2021a) for detailed diagnosis and description.

Hierodula chinensis is sparsely distributed in the Korean peninsula, primarily inhibiting wooded areas with shrubs and tall trees. It typically lives under tree leaves throughout its lifespan and deposits its oothecae on tree branches. Nymphs have the ability to camouflage themselves by folding their abdomens backwards. The first instar nymphs of H. chinensis hatch in early July, with adult mantises typically emerging at the end of August.

China. Invasive in Japan and South Korea.

Hierodula chinensis was recently reported in the Korean peninsula by Shim et al. (2021a). This species was previously recorded in China by Werner (1929) and Beier (1932) and was recently reported in Japan (Yamasaki et al. 2022). However, this species has been erroneously confused with H. membranacea Burmeister and H. macrodentata Wang, Zhou & Zhang, 2020 by some authors, including Tinkham (1937), Wang (1993), and Zhu et al. (2012). Recent studies by Wang et al. (2020) and Liu et al. (2020) have provided a redescription of H. chinensis, clarifying its taxonomic status. See Shim et al. (2021a) for detailed description.

[NASIC] South Korea: GG: 1♀, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 2 IX 1999, Taewoo Kim; 1♂, Seodun-dong, Suwon-si, 13 IV–17 VIII 2001, Taewoo Kim (reared); 4♂1♀, SETEC, Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 8 VI 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from nymph); CB: 1♂5♀, Parking area of Cheongju Airport, Ipsang-ri, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, 15 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; CN: 1♂, Rest area, Geumsan-gun, 10 IX 2013, Haechul Park; 1♂, Mt. Gubong, Gwanjeo-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 1 IX 2014, Taekyu Kim; 1♀, Chungnam Nat. Univ., Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 27 IX 2015, Taeman Han; 4♂2♀, Samsong-ri, Haemi-myeon, Seosan-si, 24 IV 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from oothecae); 4♂9♀, Chungnam Nat. Univ., Yuseong-gu, Daejeon-si, 19 VIII 2023, Jaeil Shim; GB: 2♀, Street near Gomo station (Gomo-ro), Suseong-gu, Daegu, 14 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 8♀, Hyomok Elementary Scholl, Hyomok-dong, Daegu-si 29 X 2023, Jaeil Shim; GN: 1♀, Mt. Mang, Island Geojedo, Geoje-si, 23 VII 2019, Jun-Gi Lee, Jun-Ho Lee; JB: 2♂2♀, Jeonbuk Nat. Univ., Jeonju-si, 21 VIII 2017, Jaeil Shim; 3♀, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 4 VII 2018, Jaeil Shim (reared from nymph); 2♂, Jangsu-eup, Jangsu-gun, 5 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 2♂3♀, Mt. Moak, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 7 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 2♂, Jeonbuk Art Museum, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 21 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 4♂6♀, Jeonbuk Art Museum, Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, 22 IX 2019, Jaeil Shim; 2♂10♀, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, 10 IX 2021, Jaeil Shim; : 5♂3♀, Eunpa Lake, Gunsan-si, VI 2022, Jaeil Shim, JuHyeong Sohn (reared from nymph); 2♀, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, VIII 2022, Jeonbuk Jaeil Shim; 1♂1♀, Hyangga-ro, Pungsan-myeon, Sunchang-gun, 26 VII 2023, Jaeil Shim (reared from nymph); JN: 1♂1♀, Near the Korea Coast Guard Academy (KCGA), Yeosu-si, 1 IX 2019, Byeongmin Jeong; 1♂1♀, Dal-dong, Mokpo-si, VIII 2020, Jaeil Shim; JJ: 1♀, Jeju Airport, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, 22 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; 1♂3♀, Donnaeko, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 22 IX 2023, Jaeil Shim; Guam: 1♀, Guam, USA, 19 VII 2017, Yeong-Hun Kim; Japan: 1♂1♀, Yanabaru, Okinawa, Japan, 1–4 I 2020, Wonjun Sung; Java: 1♂1♀, Mt. Argopuro, East Java, Indonesia, V 2019, Jaeil Shim (purchase) Vietnam: 1♂, Quang Trung, Bao Loc, Lam Dong, 20 II 2012, Lam Dong Agro-Foresty Research and Experiment Center.

Figures 121–132. 

Habitus, head, pronotum and foreleg of Hierodula patellifera 121 male dorsal aspect 122 female dorsal aspect 123 male face 124 female face 125 male pronotum (small sized) 126 male pronotum (large sized) 127 female pronotum 128 ventral aspect of foreleg and furcasternite (live specimens) 129 foreleg coxa ventral aspect (right: female with 4 forecoxal spines left: male with 2 forecoxal spines) 130 foreleg ventral aspect 131 foreleg interior aspect 132 foreleg dorsal aspect.

Measurements (mm): Total length (vertex to tip of abdomen) ♂ 44.3–57.8, ♀ 54.3–74.2; head width ♂ 6.6–7.5, ♀ 8.4–9.7; head length ♂ 5.1–5.7, ♀ 7.3–8.1; pronotum width ♂ 5.1–6.0, ♀ 6.7–8.6; pronotum length ♂ 12.9–15.1, ♀ 16.1–20.2; forewing (tegmina) length ♂ 33.8–40.9, ♀ 36.8–47.5. Male (Figs 121, 123, 125–126, 129, 133–135). Medium to large sized, body robust. Coloration (Fig. 121): Bright green to green or bright brown to darkish brown. Head (Fig. 123): Triangular. Head width 1.3× as long as length. Vertex flat. Compound eye globular, inverse drop-shaped. Ocelli large, oblong. Antenna filiform; length nearly 1.2× as long as pronotum. Lower frons with two very weakly protruding parallel vertical ridges, lower frons width 1.5× as long as height. Epistomal sulcus transverse. Lateral margin of compound eye, mandible, and gena yellow. In live specimens, labrum posterior margin orangish. Prothorax (Figs 125, 126): Pronotum short, clavate, flatted dorso-ventrally; pronotum dorsal surface smooth and covered in waxy secretion; pronotum length 2.5× maximum width. Prozone lateral margin with numerous denticles. Metazone lateral margin weakly expanded. Medial keel very weakly protruding. Furcasternite (Fig. 128) with two thick transverse and purple markings, larger one at furcasternite medial area and smaller one at posterior one-fourth of furcasternite. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 128–132): Coxa dorsal margin (Figs 128, 129) with 2–5 large spines, rounded triangular or round tooth-like shape, yellow; occasionally 1–3 very minute, white, blunt spines located between large spines. Dorsal and ventral coxal lobes continuous, lacking space between them. Spination formula (Figs 130–132): Avts = 13–15; Pvts = 10–12; Avfs = 14–16; Pvfs = 4; Ds = 4. In 15 Avfs (Figs 130, 131): spines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15 size larger than remaining Avfs; spines 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 black. Ds (Fig. 130) 1–3 interior surface black. Tarsomere distal end black. Meso- and metathorax and their legs: Mesothorax sternite anterior area with purple pattern. Meso- and metathoracic legs simple, long, and slender. Tarsi 5-segmented. First tarsomere of midleg slightly shorter than remaining segments combined, first tarsomere of hindleg slightly longer than remaining segments combined. Wings (Figs 121, 133): Forewing completely surpassing end of abdomen; costal area thick, discoidal area transparent; discoidal area occasionally with brightly colored (yellow, beige, brown) mottled pattern. Stigma (Fig. 133) triangular, white to whitish yellow; rimmed with dark pattern. Hindwing hyaline. Abdomen: Fusiform. Tergites bright yellow to green. Cerci setose, not flattened, with 17 or 18 segments. Male subgenital plate (coxosternite IX) (Fig. 134) irregularly rhomboidal; inter-stylar margin slightly convex and protruding dorsally, margin with 14–20 black spines; ventral surface of subgenital plate with numerous setae; left margin with 41–56 black spines, right margin with 16–28 black spines. Styli rather short. Male genitalia (Fig. 135): Pia sclerotized and weakly wrinkled; fda triangular; maa short and stout, surface covered by minute spines. Left phallomere (Fig. 135) with elongate and curved paa, its surface smooth, distal area curved dorso-laterally, apex round; afa (aafa+pafa) weakly sclerotized, wide trapezoidal, surface densely covered in minute denticles; anterior margin area of afa, basal one-third with stout dark decumbent projection (aafa); on dorsal surface of afa with long longitudinal groove; posterior apex mostly rounded; loa membranous, weakly humped; L4B curved spoon-shaped. Ventral phallomere (Fig. 135) irregular rhomboidal; sdpl hardly sclerotized, spear and hook-like in shape, curved at basal one-sixth by little more than 90°, remaining distal area long and straight. Female (Figs 122, 124, 127–133). Similar to male, with following differences. Body (Fig. 122) robust. Head (Fig. 124): Vertex slightly convex. Head width 1.1 to 1.2× as long as length. Ocelli smaller than male. Antenna slightly shorter than pronotum. Lower frons width 1.3–1.4× as long as height. Prothorax (Fig. 127): Pronotum length 2.3–2.4× as long as maximum width; lateral margin with numerous denticles. Medial keel protruding. Forelegs (Prothoracic legs) (Figs 128–132): Large forecoxal spines more pronounced than in male. Number of Avfs = 14–17. Wings (Figs 122, 133): Forewing occasionally reaching end of abdomen. Ootheca (Fig. 136). Measurements (mm): Length 21.4–29.0; maximum width 11.2–15.6; maximum height 11.3–13.5; length of emergence area 15.1–21.3; width of emergence area 3.0–3.9. Identification: Oblong, nearly elliptical (mostly dorso-ventrally compressed) in cross-section. Ootheca attached to flat substrate by ventral surface or fully encircling substrate such as sticks. External wall (Fig. 136) dark green to brown. External coating comes off easily in the wild, colored beige. Exhibiting ~ 15–27 egg chambers clearly delimited by visible slightly curved lips. Distal end of ootheca truncate and surface rough.

Figures 133–136. 

Wings, male genitalia and ootheca of Hierodula patellifera 133 stigma of forewing (3 variations) 134 male subgenital plate 135 male genitalia (small box = variation of afa) 136 ootheca (left: dorsal aspect right: lateral aspect). Red arrows = stigma.

Hierodula patellifera occurs throughout the Korean peninsula. This species is well-adapted to urban and suburban environments, and can be easily found near mountains, expressway rest areas, and parks. It typically lives under tree leaves throughout its life cycle and lays its oothecae on tree branches, trunks, and building walls near trees. Nymphs fold their abdomens back to camouflage themselves. First instar nymphs hatch in early June and adult mantises emerge in mid-August.

China, Guam, India, Japan, Java, New Guinea, Philippines, Sumba, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea. Invasive in France, Italy, and Hawaii.

Hierodula patellifera is a widely distributed species (Ehrmann and Borer 2015; Patel and Singh 2016; Shcherbakov and Anisyutkin 2018; Battiston et al. 2019; Moulin 2020). The species exhibits a high degree of morphological variation, which has led to the recognition of numerous synonyms (Audinet-Serville 1838; Wang 1993, Schwarz et al. 2018). Morphological variation, including differences in the number of forecoxal spines, and shapes of forewing stigma and afa, have been observed among H. patellifera populations, including those in Korea. Shim et al. (2021b) discuss the challenges of species delimitation in H. patellifera in detail and emphasize the need for a comprehensive analysis of both morphological and molecular data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties.