taxonID	type	description	language	source
4A09B002342DFFAEFF80FA246244FA30.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Small, slender mantises (body length 14 – 27.05 mm), green to ochre, fully developed wings. Body surface and anterior margin of forewings lightly ciliated. Pronotal medial keel present. Head capsule dorsoventrally compressed. Compound eyes dorsoventrally compressed, laterally conical, blunted. Cranial vertex with a cosinusoidal margin, juxtaocular bulges present; elevation on the vertex in the shape of a truncated pyramid. Lower frons featuring a medially bifurcated carina.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002342DFFAEFF80FA246244FA30.taxon	description	Redescription Head (Fig. 8). Prognathous (based on observed resting position); head capsule wider than long. Juxtaocular bulges present, highlighted by parietal sulci. Head capsule dorsoventrally compressed with likewise compressed, laterally conical compound eyes. Four gently sloping carinal ridges on the vertex (two of which originate from the mid-vertex, the other two originate from the mid-ocular region) converge into an elevation on the postero-medial vertex in the shape of a truncated pyramid, which is bisected apically by the coronal suture. Vertex slightly concave posterior to lateral ocelli. Ocelli of both sexes are situated atop an elevated region; ocelli amber to yellow. Lower frons transverse, featuring a subtle, medially bifurcated sulcus. Clypeus broad, with elevated margins. Labrum rounded anteriorly. Maxillary and labial palpi pale, light green to ochre. Compound eye pigmentation darker than cuticle of the head capsule. Antenna long and filiform, lightly ciliated, tapering to a point, with darkened terminal antennomeres. Thorax. Pronotum roughly 2.5 - times longer than wide at supracoxal sulcus dilation, featuring a pronounced medial keel that bisects the anteriorly positioned supracoxal sulcus and terminates at the posterior margin of the metazone (Fig. 11). Metazone posterior margin elevated into a shelf extending slightly over anterior margin of the mesothorax. Margin of the lateral lamellar expansion of the pronotum is relatively smooth with socketed setae projecting around the perimeter. Region containing pronotal medial keel elevated, sloping down to lateral margins. Thorax medially traversed by a yellow stripe (Fig. 12). Prozone with bilaterally symmetric sculpting, which tapers to the edge just prior to the lateral margins. Anterior metazone features a slight indentation on either side of the medial keel. Cervix bears lateral cervical sclerites and intercervical sclerites; ventral cervical sclerites absent. Lateral cervical sclerite anterior margin extends just past the anterior margin of the prozone and is lightly ciliated. Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane is contained within the boundaries of the intercervical sclerites and the episternum, with either a broad or narrow hexagonal shape (Fig. 13). A furcasternal tubercle projects medially at the base of the T-shaped sclerite, posterior to the prothoracic coxae, surfaced with setation (Fig. 14). DK hearing organ present on metathoracic ventral surface (see Yager & Svenson (2008) for hearing organ description). Wings of both sexes well developed, extending beyond base of terminalia, hyaline to opaque; variably ciliated. Prothoracic legs. Lightly ciliated. Forecoxae long, extending past the base of the pronotum; postero- and anteroventral margins with socketed setae; apical lobes squared, convergent. Forefemora feature relatively straight dorsal margins that narrow distally. Posteroventral femoral spines robust and darkened apically, interspersed with cilia and a row of crenulation. Genicular lobes of the femora each with a slightly curved spine. Tibial spur groove lies between first discoidal spine and the first anteroventral femoral spine. Anteroventral femoral spines alternate between short and long, darkened apically. Second discoidal spine significantly longer than the first and third. Posteroventral and anteroventral tibial spines gradually elongating towards the tibial spur, darkening apically, interspersed with cilia. Tarsi 5 - segmented, ciliated, with an enlarged penultimate euplantulae; darkened ungues. F = 3 DS / 11 – 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 10 – 14 AvS / 9 – 14 PvS. Meso- and metathoracic legs. Lightly ciliated across surface with increased ciliation density distally. Femoral carina on the posteroventral margin; femoral genicular lobes lacking spines. Tibiae tubular with an apical lobe and two apical spurs. Tarsi 5 - segmented, ciliated, with an enlarged penultimate euplantulae; darkened ungues. Abdomen. Smooth, surface ciliated. Segmentation of tergites straightly traversing the abdomen. Female supra-anal plate triangular, ciliated; narrower than the subgenital plate. Female subgenital plate posterior margin bifid, ciliated, narrowing towards the terminus; cerci long, filiform, tapering. Male supra-anal plate triangular, ciliated; narrower than subgenital plate. Male subgenital plate approximately rounded at the terminus; cerci long, compressed, tapering; styli short. Female genitalia: gonoplac (GL) features a rectangular dilation on the anteroventral margin; gonapophysis IX (GP) apex approximately mammiform to rounded. Male genitalia: lobo membranoso (loa) lightly sclerotized and without apical crenulation; processo distale (pda) narrow and rounded apically.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023432FFAAFF88FA0B66D3FEBF.taxon	materials_examined	Type species Holotype ♂. Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Frankfurt, Germany; Allotype ♀. Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Frankfurt, Germany. Type location Nosy Be, Madagascar. Examined specimens The list consists of 8 specimens. Madagascar: Ampijoroa, 1 ♂, Ankarafantsika, 170 m, I- 57, R. E., Insitut Scientifique de Madagascar, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 7 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Distr. d’Ambanja, 1 ♀, Madagascar Nord, N. de Beangona-Ambevy, Vallée d’Antremabe, 400 m, II- 1964, P. Soga, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 9 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Nossi Bé, 1 ♂, Voeltzkow, genitalia R. Roy No. 4072 (MNHN); 2 ♀ (MNHN); 1 ♀, 1900, Dr. Joly, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 8 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Nossi Bé Sambirano, 2 ♀, J. de Coudenfiore (MNHN); Toliara Prov., Réserve Spéciale de Cap Sainte Marie, 12.3 km, 262 ° W Marovato, elev. 200 m 11 – 15 Feb 2002, 23 ° 34 ’ 54 ” S 45 ° 10 ’ 6 ” E, coll: Fisher, Griswold et al., California Acad. of Sciences, at light in spiny forest thicket, collection code: BLF 5501, CASENT 3006172, 5501, MN 413 Primary Voucher, GSMC 000141 (CASENT).	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023432FFAAFF88FA0B66D3FEBF.taxon	biology_ecology	Natural history Specimens studied were collected between January and February in Northern Madagascar. No specific behavioral or ecological information is known from the literature.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023432FFAAFF88FA0B66D3FEBF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Pronotum with a medial keel that runs from the anterior margin of the prozone to the posterior margin of the metazone. Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane of the cervix broad with an approximately hexagonal shape. Females (ca. 26.5 – 27 mm) relatively longer than males (ca. 22.5 mm); both females and males of this species are relatively longer than those within Ilomantis ginsburgae n. sp. Female genitalia: gonapophysis VIII (GA) with pronounced medial outgrowth (MO); gonoplac (GL) with divergent apical cleft (AC). Male genitalia: processo distale (pda) small, adjacent to a relatively rounded posterodextral margin; processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) slightly arched along the anterior margin with a relatively straight posterior margin. Distributed within the Southern region of the Republic of Madagascar. F = 3 DS / 11 – 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 11 – 14 AvS / 12 – 14 PvS.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023432FFAAFF88FA0B66D3FEBF.taxon	description	Redescription (all measurements in mm, unless noted otherwise) Female (Fig. 1 A, B). Length 26.5 – 27.05; forewing length 18.58 – 19.6; hindwing length 19.2 – 20.56; pronotum length 5.32 – 5.53; prozone length 2.0 – 2.2; pronotum maximum width 1.95 – 2.13; pronotum minimum width 1.39 – 1.52; head width 4.56 – 4.58; head vertex to clypeus 1.63 – 1.97; frons width 1.76 – 1.85; frons height 0.47 – 0.53; prothoracic femur length 6.2 – 6.54; mesothoracic femur length 5.9 – 6.12; mesothoracic tibia length 4.10 – 4.17; mesothoracic tarsus length 3.06; metathoracic femur length 6.36 – 6.59; metathoracic tibia length 6.83 – 7.01; metathoracic tarsus length 4.27 – 4.74. Head (Fig. 7 A). Cranial vertex elevation yellow. Area posterior to the lateral ocelli concave. Ocelli reduced with relatively larger, lateral ocelli sitting within a slightly raised cylindrical ocellar tubercle; the smaller, unpaired median ocellus positioned anterior to a sulcus that lies medially between the unpaired ocellus and the antennal sclerites, spanning the distance between the antennae; area surrounding the median ocellus is very slightly raised. Antennae extend to mid-body. Thorax. Pronotal medial keel reaching anterior margin (Fig. 11 A). Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane of the cervix broad with an approximately hexagonal shape (Fig. 13 A). Forewings opaque with light green costal region, hindwings opaque to hyaline; costal vein of both fore- and hindwings with light ciliation. Prothoracic legs. Femur maximum width ca. 1.3 – 1.5 times the value of the male femur maximum width. F = 3 DS / 11 – 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 12 – 13 AvS / 12 – 14 PvS. Meso- and metathoracic legs. Lightly ciliated across surface with ciliation density increasing distally. Mesothoracic basitarsus approximately the same length as the remaining tarsal segments combined; metathoracic basitarsus 1.5 times longer than the remaining tarsal segments combined. Abdomen. Supra-anal plate triangular, ciliated across the surface, narrower than the subgenital plate. Cerci filiform, tapering. Genitalia (Figs 3 A, 5 A, B). Gonapophysis VIII (GA) moderately slender, variably ciliated, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA is heavily surfaced with fossettes. From VH, GA angles inward; a rugose, sclerotized tubercle projects posterolaterad from this region; apical lobe (AL) ovoid; heavily ciliated. AL with a membrane that projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA, lending AL the appearance of being bilobed or mitten-shaped. From LH, GA is curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a tumescent medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve. GA dorsal margin is invaginated anterior to the curve towards the ventral habitus. Gonapophysis IX (GP) is relatively short, apically mammiform, and invaginated along the ventral margin; GP ventral margin features a subulate overhang, the medial tine (MT). Gonoplac (GL) is shorter than GA, broad, tumescent, variably ciliated, and obtusely arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rectangular dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL features a prominent apical cleft (AC) with divergent, blunted tines. From LH, GL possesses a pronounced sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before the AC. GL ventral and dorsal margins are sculpturate, rugose. Male (Fig. 1 C, D). Body length 22.49 – 22.51; forewing length 16.46 – 16.92; hindwing length 17.08 – 17.64; pronotum length 4.32 – 4.69; prozone length 1.69 – 1.81; pronotum maximum width 1.49 – 1.72; pronotum minimum width 1.08 – 1.36; head width 3.76 – 4.08; head vertex to clypeus 1.56 – 1.6; frons width 1.46 – 1.48; frons height 0.47 – 0.53; prothoracic femur length 5.22 – 5.48; mesothoracic femur length 5.35 – 5.7; mesothoracic tibia length 3.6 – 3.84; mesothoracic tarsus length 2.58 – 3.17; metathoracic femur length 5.53 – 5.71; metathoracic tibia length 6.02; metathoracic tarsus length 2.903. Head (Fig. 8 B). Cranial vertical margin and posterior half of lateral ocelli yellow. Area posterior to the lateral ocelli slightly concave. Ocelli well developed and sit atop a raised, ocellar tubercle; lateral ocelli relatively larger than unpaired, median ocellus. Reddish-brown pigmentation may or may not be present adjacent to the compound eyes, near the frontal sulci. Antennae extend past mid-abdomen. Thorax. Pronotum as in females (Fig. 11 B). Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane of the cervix as in females (Fig. 13 B). Wings generally hyaline and iridescent, light ciliation across surface of both fore- and hindwings. Prothoracic legs. Femur maximum width ca. 0.7 – 0.75 times the value of the female femur maximum width. F = 3 DS / 11 – 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 11 – 14 AvS / 13 – 14 PvS. Meso- and metathoracic legs. Lightly ciliated across surface with ciliation density increasing distally. Meso- and metathoracic basitarsus approximately the same length as the remaining tarsal segments combined. Abdomen. Supra-anal plate triangular, ciliated across the surface; much narrower than the subgenital plate. Subgenital plate approximately rounded at the terminus. Cerci long, compressed, tapering. Styli short. Genitalia (Fig. 9). Dorsal sclerotization of the left phallomeric complex elongate anteriorly, broadening towards the posterior margin; anterior process (ap) moderately narrow, recurved, and lightly sclerotized; L 4 B dextral posterolateral margin rugose; apical process (paa) tumescent, recurved distally with a rounded and moderately sclerotized apical margin. Lobo membranoso (loa) relatively short, apex moderately sclerotized. Ventral sclerotization of the left phallomere complex (i. e., the ventral phallomere) (L 4 A) longer than wide with a slightly undulate and sclerotized antero-sinistral margin; L 4 A posterior region broad, lightly ciliated; processo distale (pda) pouch-shaped, rounded apically. Anterior apodeme (an) rounded anteriorly with a slightly sclerotized sinistral margin; processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) obtusely arched, tumescent, and heavily sclerotized along the posterior and dextral margins; piastra ventrale (pia) heavily sclerotized and linearly shaped with a triangular projection along the anterior margin; pia situated on the anterior margin of a membranous fold that features a generally straight, moderately sclerotized lateral margin. R 1 posterior region ciliated with a slightly tapered, rounded posterior margin; right arm (bm) moderately narrow, pointed apically.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023436FFA7FF88FE83653BFA24.taxon	materials_examined	Type species Holotype ♀. Ihosy, 14 – II – 1967 (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France). Allotype ♂. Bekily, Rég. Sud de l’Ile, A. Seyrig (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France). Paratype ♀. Ihosy, 14 – II – 1967 (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France); Paratype ♂. Bekily, Rég. Sud de l’Ile, A. Seyrig (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France).	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023436FFA7FF88FE83653BFA24.taxon	etymology	Etymology A noun in the genitive case, we named the species in honor of Ruth Joan Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, for her relentless fight for gender equality, as well as for her sartorial appreciation of the jabot, which is reminiscent of the postcervical plate of Ilomantis, a diagnostic character that embodies this judicial accessory.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023436FFA7FF88FE83653BFA24.taxon	materials_examined	Examined specimens The list consists of 4 types and 13 additional specimens. Madagascar: Androy, 1 ♂, (Pays Androy (Nord )), Madagascar Sud, 1901 / 1926 (?) (this specimen has conflicting labels: one label indicates the specimen was collected in 1901, the other indicates the collection year was 1926), Alluaud, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 14 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Ankiliarivo, 1 ♂, 26 – III – 1962, D. Wintrebert, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 12 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Bekily, 1 ♀, Reg. Sud. De L’Ile, A. Seyrig (MNHN); 1 ♂, Reg. Sud. De L’Ile, A. Seyrig (MNHN); 1 ♀, Reg. Sud. De L’Ile, II – 34, A. Seyrig, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 10 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 ♂, Reg. Sud. De L’Ile, III – 32, A. Seyrig, Genitalia R. Roy No. 4071 (MNHN); Betioky (Sud), 1 ♀, Madagascar Sud-Ouest, 26 – V – 1968, D. Wintrebert Rec. (MNHN); Clairière Erinkady (?), 1 ♀, 7 – III – 63, D. Wintrebert Reç. (MNHN); Fort-Dauphin, 1 ♀, V – 1937, A. Seyrig (MNHN); Ifaty, 1 ♂, 20 km N Tulear 30 m, 10 – 27. XII. 2003, S. Murzin & A. Shamaev leg, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 13 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 ♂, 20 km N Tulear 30 m, 10 – 27. XII. 2003, S. Murzin & A. Shamaev leg, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 15 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Ihosy, 1 ♀, 14 – II – 1967, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 18 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 ♀, 14 – II – 1967 (MNHN); Lac Tsimanampetsotsa, 1 ♂, Madagascar Sud, Rés. Nat. Int. 10, 7 / 10 – II – 1969, P. Viette et P. Griveaud, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 11 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Plateau Mahafaly, 1 ♂, I – 1966, Paul Grivaud, GSMC 0001444 (MNHN); Ranohira (W), 1 ♀ Madagascar Sud, 12 - VI- 63, Sité à Tapia, Q. Wintrebert Reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 16 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); Tuléar (20 km sud de Tuléar), 1 ♀ Madagascar S. S. Ouest, 30 – III – 1973, Descamps & Wintrebert Reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 17 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN).	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023436FFA7FF88FE83653BFA24.taxon	biology_ecology	Natural history Specimens examined were collected January through June in Southern Madagascar. No specific behavioral or ecological information is known.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023436FFA7FF88FE83653BFA24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Pronotum with a medial keel that runs from the mid-prozone to the posterior margin of the metazone. Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane of the cervix transverse. Females (ca. 15 – 20.6 mm) only marginally longer than males (ca. 14 – 20.4 mm) on average. Female genitalia: GA with reduced MO; GL with convergent AC. Male genitalia: pda small, adjacent to a moderately pronounced dextral lobe on the posterodextral margin; pva slightly arched along the anterior margin with a curved posterior margin. Distributed within the Northern region of the Republic of Madagascar. F = 3 DS / 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 10 – 11 AvS / 9 – 13 PvS.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B0023436FFA7FF88FE83653BFA24.taxon	description	Description Female. Holotype (Fig. 2 A, B). While male mantodean specimens have historically been assigned as holotypes, we have assigned a female specimen as the holotype for this new species. In so doing, we hope to underscore the point that when detailed character descriptions of both external and genitalic morphology are presented, a female holotype can be as informative as a male holotype. Traditionally, male holotypes were preferred because the male genitalia could be used to perform species-level determinations, while making species-level determinations in females was less certain due to ambiguous boundaries in external morphological characters. However, in this study we have demonstrated that female genitalia can be informative for species identifications, eliminating a potential problem with choosing females as the holotype for new species. Body length 19.99 – 21.61; forewing length 14.48 – 15.48; hindwing length 14.64 – 15.95; pronotum maximum length 3.83 – 4.29; prozone length 1.55 – 1.8; pronotum width 1.61 – 1.85; pronotum minimum width 1.34 – 1.44; head width 3.75 – 4.22; head vertex to clypeus 1 – 1.2; frons width 1.41 – 1.63; frons height 0.37 – 0.47; prothoracic femur length 4.92 – 5.23; mesothoracic femur length 4.26 – 4.93; mesothoracic tibia length 3.02 – 3.45; mesothoracic tarsus length 2.16 – 2.58; metathoracic femur length 5.02 – 5.63; metathoracic tibia length 5.22 – 5.85; metathoracic tarsus length 3.14 – 3.71. Head (Fig. 4 C). Juxtaocular bulges present, slight. Vertex elevation yellow. Region posterior to the lateral ocelli slightly concave. Ocelli relatively small; lateral ocelli marginally larger than the median ocellus; area containing the ocelli slightly convex. Antennae extend to at least mid-body. Thorax. Pronotal medial keel reaching mid-prozone (Fig. 11 C). Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane of the cervix transverse with an approximately hexagonal shape (Fig. 13 C). Wings opaque with margins sparsely ciliated; anterior margin of forewing costal area with light green cells. Prothoracic legs. Femur maximum width ca. 1.3 times the value of the male femur maximum width. F = 3 DS / 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 11 AvS / 10 – 12 PvS. Meso- and metathoracic legs. Ciliated across surface. Mesothoracic basitarsus approximately 1.5 times the length of the remaining tarsal segments combined; metathoracic basitarsus approximately the same length as the remaining tarsal segments combined. Abdomen. Supra-anal plate triangular, ciliated across surface, narrower than the subgenital plate. Cerci filiform, tapering. Genitalia (Figs 3 B, 5 C, D). Gonapophysis VIII (GA) slender, variably ciliated, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA lightly surfaced with fossettes and sculpturing. From VH, GA angles inward; apical lobe (AL) ovoid, heavily ciliated. From LH, AL ranges from ovoid, to blunt, to thin and arched. AL has a membrane that projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA, lending AL the appearance of being bilobed or mitten-shaped. From LH, GA is obtusely curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a reduced medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve. GA dorsal margin is invaginated anterior to the curve towards the ventral habitus. Gonapophysis IX (GP) is relatively short, terminating in a weakly rounded apex; GP ventral margin features a subulate overhang, the medial tine (MT). Gonoplac (GL) is shorter than GA, broad, variably ciliated, and arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rectangular dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL narrows toward the apex; from LH, GL apex slants ventrad. GL features a significantly reduced apical cleft (AC), with the lobe of the dorsal margin appearing to converge with the ventral lobe, resulting in an approximately subulate apex. From LH, GL possesses a slight sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before AC. GL ventral and dorsal margins are relatively smooth. Male. Allotype (Fig. 2 C, D). Body length 19.34 – 20.44; forewing length 14.24 – 15.37; hindwing length 14.85 – 16.18; pronotum maximum length 3.46 – 3.84; prozone length 1.32 – 1.49; pronotum width 1.35 – 1.45; pronotum minimum width 1.12 – 1.3; head width 3.44 – 3.6; head vertex to clypeus 1 – 1.18; frons width 1.3 – 1.36; frons height 0.34 – 0.40; prothoracic femur length 4.19 – 4.49; mesothoracic femur length 3.78 – 4.19; mesothoracic tibia length 2.48 – 2.94; mesothoracic tarsus length 1.71 – 2.17; metathoracic femur length 4.47 – 4.92; metathoracic tibia length 4.56 – 5.27; metathoracic tarsus length 2.74 – 3.66. Head (Fig. 8 D). Juxtaocular bulges present, highlighted by parietal sulci. Vertex elevation yellow. Region posterior to the lateral ocelli concave. Ocelli larger than females; lateral ocelli slightly larger than unpaired median ocellus. Ocelli sit within an elevated ocellar tubercle that has three brown markings on the cuticle between the ocelli. Antennae as in females. Thorax. Pronotum as in females (Fig. 11 D). Postcervical plate and exposed thoracic membrane of the cervix as in females (Fig. 13 D). Wings hyaline and iridescent; fore- and hindwing margins and surface with light ciliation. Prothoracic legs. Femur maximum width ca. 0.74 times the value of the male femur maximum width. F = 3 DS / 12 AvS / 4 PvS; T = 10 – 11 AvS / 11 – 12 PvS. Meso- and metathoracic legs. Densely ciliated across surface. Mesothoracic basitarsus approximately 1.5 times the length of the remaining tarsal segments combined; metathoracic basitarsus approximately the same length as the remaining tarsal segments combined. Abdomen. Supra-anal plate triangular, ciliated across surface; much narrower than the subgenital plate. Subgenital plate approximately rounded at the terminus, ciliated. Cerci long, compressed, tapering. Styli short. Genitalia (Fig. 10). Dorsal sclerotization of the left phallomeric complex is anteriorly narrow and elongate, broadening towards the posterior margin; anterior process (ap) ranges from narrow and elongate to compact, tapering anteriorly; ap anterior margin variably sclerotized; Apical process (paa) dilated on the anterior margin of its visible “ base, ” recurved distally, narrow; paa with a rounded apical margin. Lobo membranoso (loa) relatively short, apex moderately sclerotized. Ventral sclerotization of the left phallomere complex (i. e., the ventral phallomere) (L 4 A) longer than wide with an undulate, lightly sclerotized antero-sinistral margin; L 4 A anterior margin varies slightly in width; L 4 A posterior region lightly ciliated and bilobed; processo distale (pda) narrow, apically rounded, and well separated from a projecting dextral lobe that is broad and approximately rounded along the posterior margin. Anterior apodeme (an) anteriorly rounded with a moderately sclerotized sinistral margin; processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) obtusely curved, tumescent, with a heavily sclerotized posterior margin; piastra ventrale (pia) variably shaped, ranging from relatively straight to arcuate with a rugose surface. R 1 posterior region lightly ciliated with a slightly tapered, rounded posterior margin; right arm (bm) varies in width, pointed apically.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343BFFA6FF80F9FB6246F9E7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Small, slender mantises (body length 15 – 21 mm), green; fully developed wings. Body and anterior margin of forewings lightly ciliated. Pronotal medial keel present. Head capsule dorsoventrally compressed; compound eyes dorsoventrally compressed, laterally conical, blunted. Head capsule with relatively straight vertical margin; cranial vertex with no projections. Lower frons featuring an arcuate carina. Female genitalia: gonoplac (GL) features a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin; gonapophysis IX (GP) apex acuminate. Male genitalia: lobo membranoso (loa) with varying levels of sclerotization and distal crenulation; ventral sclerotization of the left phallomere (L 4 A) terminates in two lobes.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343BFFA6FF80F9FB6246F9E7.taxon	discussion	Remarks As evidenced by external and internal morphological characters, as well as by the geographical distribution of the genera, we contend that Nilomantis and Ilomantis are separate, valid genera.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343DFFA0FF80FF7D650FFE07.taxon	materials_examined	Examined specimens The list consists of 4 specimens. Saudi Arabia: Escarpement de Raydah, 1 ♀, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 ° 23 ’ 33 E, 1920 m, 29 / 30 - VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 1 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 ♀, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 ° 23 ’ 33 E, 1920 m, 29 / 30 - VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 2 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN); 1 ♂, Formation arborée à Ficus et Olea, 18 ° 11 ’ 67 N - 42 ° 23 ’ 33 E, 1920 m, 29 / 30 - VI- 1992, M. Donskoff reç. (MNHN); Wadi Turabah, 1 ♂, milieu de vallée, 20 ° 27 ’ 12 N - 41 ° 10 ’ 61 E, 1330 m, 03 - VII- 1992, M., Donskoff reç., Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 3 S. K. Brannoch (MNHN)	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343DFFA0FF80FF7D650FFE07.taxon	description	Male genitalia description Based on an examination of the genital complex of N. floweri, as well as plates presented by Roy & Leston (1975), the anterior process (ap) is lightly sclerotized, undulate. Apical process (paa) features a broad base with an anterior dilation; paa narrow and recurved distally. Apophysis phalloide (L 1) does not retain the apophysis; lobo membranoso (loa) heavily sclerotized and strongly crenulated distally. Processo distale (pda) narrows apically, terminating in a moderately sclerotized, blunted point. There is a second, triangular lobe to the right of pda. Processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) and piastra ventrale (pia) reduced, heavily sclerotized, and closely adjoined. Female genitalia description (Figs 4 A, 6 A, B). Gonapophysis VIII (GA) slender, variably ciliated, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA lightly surfaced with fossettes. From VH, gonocoxa VIII (VF) internal margin rounded; from LH, VF does not retain a projection. From VH, GA curves strongly inward; apical lobe (AL) ovoid, ciliated. AL has a small membrane which projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA. From LH, GA is gently curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a pronounced medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve, with a row of cilia that runs from the crest of MO towards AL. GA external margin possesses a moderately sclerotized tubercle anterior to MO. From LH, AL narrows posteriorly with a bluntly rounded apical margin. GA dorsal margin is invaginated anterior to the curve towards the ventral habitus. GA very lightly sclerotized. Gonapophysis IX (GP) relatively short, broadening at the site of the medial tine (MT) before narrowing into a tapered, acuminate apex; GP ventral margin invaginated, covered anteriorly by MT. Gonoplac (GL) shorter than GA, broad, variably ciliated, and arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL narrows toward the apex; from LH, GL apex slants ventrad. GL features a reduced apical cleft (AC) resulting in a slight apical notch. From LH, GL possesses a slight sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before the AC. GL ventral margin rugose, dorsal margin relatively smooth.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343CFFA2FF88FE1B65A2F9E0.taxon	materials_examined	Examined specimens The list consists of 1 specimen. Ghana; 1 ♀, GSMC 001500, MN 244 Secondary voucher, Genitalia No. 0 0 0 0 5 S. K. Brannoch.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343CFFA2FF88FE1B65A2F9E0.taxon	description	Male genitalia description An examination of the plates presented by Roy & Leston (1975) indicates that the anterior process (ap) is narrow. Apical process (paa) broad and recurved. Apophysis phalloide (L 1) does not retain the apophysis; lobo membranoso (loa) lightly sclerotized and crenulated on the distal margin. Ventral sclerotization of the left phallomeric process (L 4 A) terminates in two lobes; processo distale (pda) largely rounded and well separated from a secondary lobe that is rounded and relatively smaller. Processo ventrale sclerificato (pva) and piastra ventrale (pia) sclerotized and more well defined than in N. floweri; right arm (bm) pointed distally and lightly sclerotized. Female genitalia description (Figs 4 B, 6 C, D) Gonapophysis VIII (GA) slender, variably ciliated, slightly arcuate, and visibly curved from both the ventral (VH) and lateral (LH) perspectives; GA surfaced with fossettes. From VH, gonocoxa VIII (VF) internal margin narrow, rounded, lending VF an angular appearance; from LH, VF possesses a distinct knob-like projection that is directed dorsad. From VH, GA gently curves inward. From LH, GA obtusely curved ventrad; GA ventral margin features a rugose, sparsely ciliated medial outgrowth (MO), which projects posterior to the crest of the curve. GA external margin possesses a moderately sclerotized tubercle anterior to MO. From VH, apical lobe (AL) ovoid, pitted, distinctly lacking cilia across surface majority; from LH, AL thin, arched, pitted, and approximately pointed; no visible cilia observed. AL has a pronounced membrane that projects from the internal dorsal margin of the structure, forming a shallow pocket as the membrane merges with the dorsal margin of GA, lending AL the appearance of being bilobed or mitten-shaped. GA dorsal margin invaginated at the region that bends towards the ventral habitus. Gonapophysis IX (GP) relatively short, broadening at the site of the medial tine (MT) before narrowing into a tapered, acuminate apex; GP ventral margin invaginated, covered anteriorly by MT. Gonoplac (GL) shorter than GA, broad, and obtusely arched ventrad; from LH, GL base has a rounded dilation on the anteroventral margin. GL narrows toward the apex; from LH, GL apex slants ventrad; apical cleft (AC) reduced, resulting in a slight apical notch. From LH, GL possesses a pronounced sclerotization that traverses the length of the structure, terminating just before the AC. GL dorsal and ventral margins relatively smooth.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
4A09B002343CFFA2FF88FE1B65A2F9E0.taxon	discussion	Discussion As a means to consider the validity of Ilomantis, we examined the female genital complexes of the species included in Nilomantis and Ilomantis for potential intergeneric diagnostic characters. The shape of the dilation on the anteroventral margin of the gonoplac (GL) varies between the genera, with Nilomantis possessing a rounded dilation, whereas Ilomantis features a dilation that is approximately rectangular in shape (compare Figs 3 and 4). Furthermore, in Nilomantis the apex of gonapophysis IX (GP) is acuminate, whereas in Ilomantis the apex of GP is mammiform to approximately rounded in shape (compare Figs 5 and 6). These character states were able to consistently and unambiguously distinguish the genera, which, when compared against external morphological characters, male genitalic characters, and geographic distribution, enabled us to resurrect Ilomantis as a valid genus with confidence. We likewise examined the female genital complexes of I. thalassina and I. ginsburgae sp. n. as a site for potential interspecific diagnostic characters. We found that gonapophysis VIII (GA) and GL feature compelling interspecific character states that proved successful in delimiting the species. Generally, Ilomantis thalassina features broader, more robust gonapophyses and gonoplacs than I. ginsburgae sp. n. (compare Figs 3 and 5). Within I. thalassina, GA features a pronounced medial outgrowth (MO); GA anterodorsal margin is moderately sclerotized, with the sclerotized region concluding just posterior to the “ heel ” of GA. The apical cleft (AC) of GL is distinctly divergent, the resultant lobes blunt apically; the ventral and dorsal margins of GL are rugose, sculpturate (see Fig. 3 A). However, in I. ginsburgae sp. n., MO of GA is reduced; and GA anterodorsal margin is less sclerotized than in I. thalassina, with the region of sclerotization terminating just prior to the apical lobes (AL). The AC of GL is significantly reduced, with the lobe of the dorsal margin appearing to converge with the ventral lobe, resulting in a slightly notched, acuminate apex; GL ventral and dorsal margins are smooth (see Fig. 3 B). Although the number of specimens were limited, we examined intraspecific variation within 2 females of I. thalassina and 3 females of I. ginsburgae sp. n.; variation was most frequently observed in the apical lobe (AL) when viewed from the lateral perspective, ranging from rounded, to blunted, to angled in shape. However, this might be due to AL being a membranous structure, which can be actively or passively moved by an insect, and which might also slightly change shape when submerged within ethanol. Furthermore, AL is a lobe-like apical dilation of GA that is folded toward the external surface along the ventral margin, which could lend AL a varied appearance. We found that the overall shape of the female genitalia was more uniform in comparison to the intraspecific variation of character states observed in male genitalia, specifically in the overall length and width of the apical process (ap) of L 4 B, as well as the shape and sclerotization of the anterior margin of ap (see Fig. 10) of the one I. thalassina male and four I. ginsburgae sp. n. males examined. An examination of the female genital complexes of Nilomantis floweri (n = 1) and N. edmundsi (n = 1) led to the addition of new characters with which to delimit the species. In particular, N. floweri features a gonocoxa VIII (VF) with a rounded internal margin; which, in N. edmundsi, is approximately angular (see Fig. 6). From LH, VF is without projection in N. floweri, whereas VF features a distinct knob-like projection that is directed dorsad (see Fig. 4). The apical lobe (AL) of N. floweri is heavily ciliated, while in N. edmundsi AL cilia were not observed across the majority of its surface (see Figs 4 and 6). Lastly, the ventral margin of the gonoplac (GL) is rugose and the dorsal margin is relatively smooth in N. floweri, whereas both the ventral and dorsal margins of GL in N. edmundsi are relatively smooth (see Fig. 4). The examined specimens were collected between 116 to 13 years ago, with the majority collected around 50 years ago. With material of this age, desiccation and damage from drawer movement, museum environmental conditions (e. g., fluctuations in temperature or humidity), and specimen handling may occur. While we took great pains to ensure that the entire female and male genital complex of each specimen was removed intact, we were unable to isolate the spermatheca, vestibular floor, and the laterosternal shelf of the female genitalia. This might be due to the fact that the genitalia of these species are membranous, and when coupled with specimen age, more susceptible to being destroyed over time or while submerged in potassium hydroxide, a solution frequently used to clear insect genitalia. While we were not able to access these structures within the female genital complex of Ilomantis and Nilomantis, we were still able to find characters on the gonapophyses, gonoplacs, and gonocoxae, which unambiguously delimited the genera and the species. Our investigation of mantodean female genitalia revealed a novel character system that successfully resurrected Ilomantis as a valid genus, delimited the species contained within both Ilomantis and Nilomantis (i. e., I. thalassina, N. floweri and N. edmundsi), as well as described a new Malagasy praying mantis species (i. e., I. ginsburgae sp. n.). These results underscore the utility of female genitalia in Mantodea taxonomy, and subsequently demonstrate the need for thorough examination of female genital complexes as sites of taxonomic characters. Furthermore, by describing both male and female genitalic characters (when available), the ability to diagnose females in externally homogenous genera might be resolved within Mantodea. For this study, traditional taxonomic data, such as external morphology, male genitalic characters, and geographic distribution, supported the results of the investigation of the female genitalic character system. As such, it is our hope that future taxonomic descriptions of praying mantises assess female genitalic characters in addition to traditional taxonomic treatments. A more thorough investigation of female genitalia across a wide taxon sampling might provide a new motif from which to build a novel taxonomic character system.	en	Sydney K. Brannoch, Gavin J. Svenson (2016): Leveraging female genitalic characters for generic and species delimitation in Nilomantis Werner, 1907 and Ilomantis Giglio-Tos, 1915 (Mantodea, Nilomantinae). Insect Systematics & Evolution 47: 209-244, DOI: 10.1163/1876312X-47032141
