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| Microphotina cristalino Lanna, Fiat, Herculano, Rivera & Peloso, 2023 |
ABSTRACT
A new species of Microphotina Beier, 1935 (Mantodea: Photinaidae: Microphotinini), Microphotina cristalino sp. nov., is described from Mato Grosso, Brazil based on two male specimens. The new species extended the distribution of Microphotina to the southern limits of the Amazon rainforest, in the Cerrado-Amazônia ecotone. A synthesis of the taxonomy, systematics, natural history, and geographic distribution of Microphotina spp. is provided, along with an updated dichotomous key to species. The hypothesis that Microphotina represents a canopy-dwelling lineage is formulated. The role of praying mantises as flagship species for insect and Amazon conservation is briefly discussed.
Keywords: conservation, Microphotinini, natural history, praying mantis, species discovery
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| Microphotina cristalino sp. nov., ♂, holotype (MPEG 05050654). A. Live specimen photographed in studio. B-C. Pinned specimen. B. Dorsal view. C. Ventral view. Scale bars = 5mm. |
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| Microphotina cristalino sp. nov., ♂, holotype (MPEG 05050654), cryptic behavior. A. Lateral view showing head almost in prognathous position. B. Dorso-lateral view, with forelegs laterally coupled to pronotum. Photographed in studio. |
Microphotina cristalino sp. nov.
Etymology: The specific epithet derives from RPPN Cristalino where the new species was discovered, a private reserve that plays an important role in protecting the biodiversity of one of the most threatened areas in the Amazon biome. ‘Cristalino’ is the main river in the region and also happens to mean ‘translucid’ in Portuguese, which alludes to the translucent quality of the body and crystal-clear wings of our new species. Because the name refers to the reserve, the river, and the Portuguese word, we choose to use it as a noun in apposition to name the new species.
Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN)
Private Natural Heritage Reserve
Leonardo Moutinho Lanna, Lucas Linhares Fiat, João Felipe Herculano, Julio Rivera and Pedro Peloso. 2023. A New Species of Microphotina Beier, 1935 from the southernmost region of Amazonia (Mantodea: Photinaidae). European Journal of Taxonomy. 870(1); 87–106. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.870.2121
