Brasidas lacerta (Redtenbacher, 1906), 2023

Brasidas lacerta (Redtenbacher, 1906) View in CoL n. comb.

( Fig. 11-14, 70 E-F, 72B & 73A-B)

Obrimus lacerta Redtenbacher, 1906: 39 View in CoL .

LT (by present designation), ♀: Coll. Br.v.W., Mindanao, Dr. Dohrn; det. Redtenb. Obrimus lacerta View in CoL ; 18.440 [NHMW] [Not: PLT, ♂ (penultimate instar): Coll. Br.v.W., Philippinen, Schneider; det. Redtenb. Obrimus lacerta View in CoL ; 14.470 [NHMW] – this is B. cavernosus (Stål, 1877) View in CoL .

PLT, ♂: Type; Luzon, Jagor; Obrimus perforatus Redt. n. sp.; 3220, Zool. Mus. Berlin [MNHU] – this is B. bakeri Rehn & Rehn, 1939 ].

n. comb.

- Bruner, 1915: 35.

Euobrimus lacerta, Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 449 View in CoL .

- Brock, 1998: 37. (Type data)

- Zompro, 2004: 216.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 137.

- Zompro, 2005: 269. (Type data)

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Brasidas acanthoderus Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 443 View in CoL , pl. 33: 24.

HT, ♀ (juvenile): Philippines, Mindanao , Sept 1917, C.M.W.; MCZC, Type ; Brasidas acanthoderus Rehn View in CoL + Rehn , Type [ MCZC] .

n. syn.

- Zompro, 2004: 215.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 74.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Euobrimus atherura Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 446 View in CoL , pl. 33: 22, 35: 31.

HT, ♂ (penultimate instar): Baroring R., Mt. Apo, Mindanao, P.I.; Alt 7000 ft., XI.9.1930 (C.F. Clegg); Euobrimus atherura Rehn View in CoL +

Rehn Type, 1298 Hebard Cln; Data Base Serial No. assigned as

Type No. September 2008, Type #9120 [ ANSP] ;

AT, ♀ (penultimate instar): Calian, Davao Prov., Mindanao, P.I. (C.F. Clegg), V.29.1930; Euobrimus atherura Rehn + Rehn Paratype, Hebard Cln; Data Base Serial No. assigned as Type No. September 2008, Type #9120 [ ANSP] .

n. syn.

- Otte, 1978: 79. (Type data)

- Zompro, 2004: 217, fig.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 137.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Euobrimus cleggi Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 455 View in CoL , pl. 33: 21, 37: 40.

HT, ♂: Sibulan R., Mt. Apo , Mindanao, P.I.; Alt 2000 ft. XI.11.1930 (C.F. Clegg); Euobrimus cleggi Rehn View in CoL + Rehn Type, 1252 Hebard Cln; Data Base Serial No. assigned as Type No. September 2008, Type #9121 [ ANSP] ;

AT, ♀: Sibulan R., Mt. Apo , Mindanao, P.I.; Alt 2000 ft. XI.11.1930 (C.F. Clegg); Allotype, Euobrimus cleggi Rehn + Rehn Paraype, 1252 Hebard Cln; Data Base Serial No. assigned as Type No. September 2008, Type #9121 [ ANSP].

n. syn.

- Otte, 1978: 79. (Type data)

- Zompro, 2004: 216.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 137.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Euobrimus dohrni Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 450 View in CoL .

LT (bypresentdesignation), ♂: Mindanao; Obrimuscavernosus Stal; Euobrimus dohrni Rehn & Rehn, 1939 View in CoL SYNTYPE ♂, Det. P.Brock 2009 [ MIZ] ;

PLT, ♀: Mindanao; Obrimus cavernosus Stal ; Euobrimus dohrni Rehn & Rehn, 1939 SYNTYPE ♀, Det. P.Brock 2009 [MIZ].

n. syn.

- Zompro, 2004: 216.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 137.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

Brasidas foveolatus, Zompro, 2004: 215 View in CoL .

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 74.

- Bollens, Krijns & Bresseel, 2010a: 8, fig.

- Bollens, Krijns & Bresseel, 2010b: 22.

- Harman, 2015: 26. (Culture stock origin)

- Hennemann et al., 2016: fig. 40.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Brasidas foveolatus asper Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 437 View in CoL , pl. 34: 26.

HT, ♂: Davao , Mindanao, Baker; 8213; USNM; Type No. 53229, U.S. N.M.; Brasidas foveolatus asper Rehn View in CoL + Rehn , Type [ USNM] .

n. syn.

- Zompro, 2004: 215.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 74.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Brasidas montivagus Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 440 View in CoL , pl. 33: 19-24.

HT, ♂ (penultimate instar): Mt. Galintan , Davao, Mindanao, P.I., May 1927, R.C. McGregor; Duyag’s collection; USNM; Type No. 53227, U.S. N.M.; Brasidas montivagus Rehn View in CoL + Rehn , Type [ USNM] ;

AT, ♀ (penultimate instar): Mati, Davao, Mindanao, P.I.; Apr 1927, FRivera coll; USNM; Type No. 53227, U.S. N.M.; Allotype , Brasidas montivagus Rehn + Rehn, Paratype [ USNM] .

n. syn.

- Zompro, 2004: 215.

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 74.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

= Euobrimus stephenreyesi Lit & Eusebio, 2006: 101 View in CoL , figs. 1a-b.

A -B. Dorsal and dorsolateralview of specimen fromArakan,South Cotobato Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-78]. C -D. Dorsal and dorsolateral view of specimen from Cugman, Misamis Oriental Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-67]. E -F. Dorsal and dorsolateral view of specimen from Mount Talomo, Davao del Sur Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-59]. G -H. Dorsal and dorsolateral view of specimen fromArakan, South Cotobato Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-77]. – J. Specimen from Mount Talomo, Davao del Sur Province,Mindanao [FH 0316-64]. – K. Specimen from Mount Talomo, Davao del Sur Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-62]. – L. Specimen from Mount Talomo, Davao del Sur Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-66].

– A. Terminalia of ♀ AT of Euobrimus cleggi Rehn & Rehn, 1939 in lateral view (Sibulan River, Mount Apo , Mindanao ) [ ANSP]. – B. Terminalia of ♀ in dorsal view (Arakan, South Cotobato Province , Mindanao ) [ FH 0316-78 ]. – C. Terminalia of ♀ in ventral view (Arakan, South Cotobato Province , Mindanao) [ FH 0316-78 ]. – D. Mesosternum of ♀ [ FH]. – E. Live captive reared ♂ from Mount Apo , Mindanao [ FH]. – F. Live captive reared ♀ from Mount Apo [ FH]. – G. Ventral view of metasternum of live captive reared ♀ from Mount Apo showing the metasternal pits [ FH] .

HT, ♂: Mindanao Island: Surigao del Sur Province, Bislig IV.1977, A.N. Conception [ UPLB] ;

PT, ♀ (juvenile): Mindanao Island: Surigao del Sur Province, Bislig IV.1977, A.N. Conception [ UPLB] .

n. syn.

[Not: Euobrimus lacerta, Krijns, 2012: 14 , figs. (Rearing notes, description of egg) – misidentification, B. cavernosus (Stål,1877) ]

[Not: Euobrimus lacerta, Harman, 2014: 20 . (Culture stock origin) – misidentification, B. cavernosus (Stål, 1877) ]

[Not: Euobrimus lacerta, Harman, 2022: 22 . (Culture stock origin) – misidentification, B. cavernosus (Stål, 1877) ]

Material examined

2 ♀ (penultimate instar): Philippinen: Mindanao Id., 12.III.1996 [ FH, No’s 0316-1 & 2] ;

13 ♀, 25 ♂, 1 gynandromorp, eggs: ex Zucht F. Hennemann 2009 /10, Herkunft: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Mt. Apo , 2008, leg. Bresseel et al. [ FH, No’s 0316-3 to 41, E1] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Sarangani, Kiamba, 2012 [ FH, No. 0316-42] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Misamis Oriental, Cugman, VI.2011 [ FH, No. 0316-67 & 68] ;

2 ♀, 5 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Mount Talomo , V.2011 [ FH, No’s 0316-43 to 49] ;

8 ♀, 4 ♂, 2 ♀ (immature): Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Mount Talomo , III-V.2009 [ FH, No’s 0316-50 to 63] ;

3 ♀ (immature): Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Mount Talomo , III.2010 [ FH, No’s 0316-64 to 66] ;

1 ♀: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Zamboanga, Bayog, V.2011 [ FH, No. 0316-69] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Zamboanga, Bayog, XI.2011 [ FH, No. 0316-70 & 99] ;

1 ♀, 2 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Cotabato, Magpet, X.2009 [ FH, No`s 0316-71 to 73] ;

3 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Cotabato, Magpet, II.2010 [ FH, No`s 0316-74 to 76] ;

3 ♀, 2 ♂, 1 ♂ (immature): Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Cotabato, Arakan, III.2010 [ FH, No`s 0316-77 to 82] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Provinz Cotabato, Arakan, V.2011 [ FH, No`s 0316-83] ;

1 ♀: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Lanao del Sur, Wao, I.2012 [ FH, No`s 0316-84] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Lanao del Sur, Wao, VII.2012 [ FH, No`s 0316-85] ;

1 ♀: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Agusan del Sur, San Agustin, III.2012 [ FH, No. 0316-86] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Tamayog, III.2010 [ FH, No`s 0318-87 & 88] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Kapatagan, III.2010 [ FH, No`s 0316-89 & 90] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Kapatagan, VIII. 2012 [ FH, No 0316-91] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao del Sur, Marilog District , Gumitan, III.2010 [ FH, No 0316-92] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Agusan del Sur, Loreto, III.2012 [ FH, No 0316-93] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Cotabato, Kidapawan, VI.2010 [ FH, No 0316-94] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, I.2013 [ FH, No 0316-95] ;

1 ♂: Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. South Cotabato, Mount Parker , III.2013 [ FH, No 0316-96] ;

1 ♂ (immature): Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Davao de Oro, Compostela Valley, Monkayo, III.2012 [ FH, No 0316-97] ;

1 ♂ (mmature): Philippinen, Mindanao Id., Prov. Agusan del Sur, Borbon, II.2012 [ FH, No 0316-98] ;

3 ♀, 5 ♂, 2 ♀ (juvenile): Philippines, Mindanao , Tamapakan, Ta'al Falls, Apr. 2011, leg. Bresseel, Bellemans, Vangamberen [ RBINE] ;

3 ♀, 2 ♂, 3 ♀ (penultimate instar), 2 ♂ (penultimate instar): Philippines, Mindanao, South Cotabato, Mt. Parker , Apr. 2010, leg. Bresseel, Bollens, Krijns [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀ (juvenile): Philippines, Mindanao , Cotabato, Arakan. I.2010 [ RBINS] ;

2 ♀, 4 ♂, 3 eggs: Philippines, Mindanao, Davao de Oro, Nabunturan , IV.2009, leg. Bresseel, Caluwé & Bushell [ RBINS] ;

2 ♀, 6 ♂, 3 eggs: Philippines, Mindanao , Mt. Apo , Lake Agco Area, Apr, 2010 [ RBINS] ;

4 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Mt. Apo , Lake Agco Area, Apr, 2010; ex breeding J. Bresseel 2011 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Agusan Del Norte Bayugan , VI. 2013, local collector, Gift B. Kneubühler [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Agusan Del Norte Bayugan , VI. 2013, local collector, Gift B. Kneubühler [ RBINS] ;

1 ♂ (penultimate instar): Philippines, Mindanao, Agusan Del Sur, Esperanza , III.2013, local collector, Gift B. Kneubühler [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Agusan Del sur, Esperanza , IV.2013, local collector, Gift B. Kneubühler [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Agusan Del sur, Borbon , IV.2013, local collector, Gift B. Kneubühler [ RBINS] ;

2 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Cabanglasan , VII.2013, local collector, I. Lumawig [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Cabanglasan , III.2013, I. Lumawig, gift B. Kneubühler I.G. 32.613 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♂ (penultimate instar): Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Panamokan , IX.2013, local collector, I. Lumawig [ RBINS] ;

2 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Intavas , III,2013 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀, 2 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Intavas , III.2013, I. Lumawig, gift B. Kneubühler I.G. 32.613 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Valencia , II.2013, I. Lumawig, gift B. Kneubühler I.G. 32.613 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀, 1 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Valencia , X.2012, F. Seow-Choen & I. Abercrombie [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Dominorog , IX.2011 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♂: Philippines, Mindanao, Bukidnon, Dominorog, Mt. Kalatungan , IX.2011 [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Surigao del Sur, Barobo , dec. 2013, I. Lumawig [ RBINS] ;

2 ♀: Philippines, Mindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Wao , IV.2013 [ RBINS] ;

2 ♀, 2 ♂, 1 juvenile: Philippines, Mindanao , Nabunturan, ex culture Holger Dräger 2014 [ RBINS] .

Differentiation. – This very polymorphic and common species is in all aspects most similar to the second common Mindanaoan species B. viscayanus , but it is generally smaller with the body length of ♀ usually <90.0 mm and that of ♂ <60.0 mm, and both sexes are somewhat stockier in general shape and have the metasternal pseudo-foramina comparatively larger and more oval in shape ( Fig. 70 E-F). Females may also be distinguished from those of viscayanus by having the mesonotum narrowing anteriorly and slightly shorter (roughly rectangular in viscayanus ), the posterior meso- and metanotals less spinose but ± composite, the mesosternals less in number, notably smaller and rather obtuse ( Fig. 12D), the triangular posteromedian indention of the anal segment smaller and more wideangled (ca. 110°, Fig. 12B), and the posterior margin of abdominal sternum VII more inflated and more deeply indented medially with A -B. Specimen from Arakan, South Cotobato Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-81]. C -D. Specimen from Arakan, South Cotobato Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-83]. E -F. Specimen from Bayog, Llano del sur Province, Mindanao with very prominent thoracic and abdominal spination [FH 0316-99]. G -H. Specimen from Magpet, Cotobato Province, Mindanao [FH 0316-73]. – J. Mesosternum of specimen from Arakan, South Cotobato Province, Mindanao [FH]. – K. Terminalia in lateral view (reared from MountApo) [FH]. – L. Terminalia in dorsal view (reared from Mount Apo) [FH]. – M. Terminalia in ventral view (reared from Mount Apo) [FH].

the pit of the praeopercular organ comparatively larger ( Fig. 12C). Males can be separated from those of viscayanus by the relatively shorter abdominal terga (tergum IV 1.65x vs 1.75x longer than wide), the comparatively less pronouncedandslenderer meso- and metapleural spine, subobsolete medio-longitudinal keel of the meso- and metasternum( Fig.13J, 70F), slightly less inflated and less distinctly bilobed posterior margin of the anal segment ( Fig. 13L), relatively larger epiproct and noticeably less numerous and larger ventral teeth or spines of the meso- and metafemora.

Variability. – This is a highly polymorphic species that shows remarkable intraspecific variability in size, colouration and armature of the head, body and legs ( Fig. 11, 13). But even the general shape shows slight variability within individual populations, which was revealed by captive breeding. A large number of specimens is available for examination from the authors collection and that of RBINS, which originate from a good variety of localities throughout the distributional range of B. lacerta . It has become obvious, that certain morphologicalvariations cannot be clearly linked to individual localities or populations.Almost all variable traits examined appear to occur within each population to a variable degree, but for fully confirming this observation even more material from a wider range of localities would be needed. The specimens at hand however allow a fairly good overview of the range of intraspecific variability and render a critical review of the synonymies of B. lacerta . The strong intraspecific variability and numerous synonyms established herein are largely supported by molecular data ( Bank et al., 2021), which have shown all sampled specimens from a total of eight localities throughout Mindanao to be conspecific and to represent the same polymorphic species. The range of morphological variability is summarized below.

Remarkable variability can be observed particularly in the spination of the body of both sexes, with specimens basically ranging from being rather weakly to strongly armed for members of Obriminae . Generally, all spines show a notable range of development and size.In ♂ ( Fig. 13) the medio-lateral mesonotals and post-median mesonotals are either completely wanting, either or both pairs are merely represented as conical tubercles, or either or both pairs are strong and prominent spines. The example from Bayog even has a small pair of post-median mesonotal spines. The posterosterior mesonotals and metanotals are mostly simple but may be bi-fid (several of the examples from Mount Talomo) or even composite (specimens from Arakan, Cugman and Bayog). The posterior pronotals are mostly simple but can be bi-fid or even compound like in the holotype of stephenreyesi (e. g. single specimens from Mount Talomo, Arakan, Cugman or Kidapawan).The example from Bayog even has a pair of fairly distinct anterior pronotals, which are about two-thirds the size of the posteriors. The latero-anterior of abdominal terga II-V range from small tubercles, and in such weakly armed specimens may even be completely missing on tergum V (e. g. a specimen from Mount Talomo),to distinct and slender,upright spines (e. g.some specimens from Mount Talomo, Arakan, Cugman and Bayog). The two examples from Bayog and Cugmaneven have the abdominal terga set with additional small paired spines, a small pair of medial on the median segment and terga VIII-IX with a triangular, tooth-like posteromedian lobe (like in the holotype of stephenreyesi ). The same specimens also have a few small teeth on the dorsal carinae of the meso- and metafemora, whereas these are smooth in most other specimens examined. Two of the captive reared specimens in the authors collection are notably stockier in shape than all other specimens at hand, having the notably less than 2x the length of the pronotum. Females ( Fig. 11) generally show variability in the same aforementioned spines of ♂. However, a much larger percentage of specimens have a fairly distinct pair of anterior pronotals that are variable in size. Several examples from Mount Talomo show a small pair of post-median mesonotals,whereas these are missing in the great majority of the specimens examined. While the abdominal terga are mostly unarmed with the exception of a variably sized pair of latero-anteriors, some examples from Mount Talomo, Arakan and the ♀ from Cugman have terga II-VII with additional small to moderately sized medials as well as first and second paired posteriors. Females in particular also show strong chromatic variability ranging from various tones of beige, drab and brown over mid to dark green and olive to dark brown and usually are flecked with darker brown. The major spines of the head and body are green even in brown specimens. Abdominal tergum VII is light cream-coloured, straw-coloured or whitish in about half of the specimens at hand and almost all have a variably shaped, diagonal directed velvety black antero-lateral spot or marking on tergum VIII.The chromatic variability is less distinct in ♂, which however may have a washed pale cream-coloured medio-longitudinal streak along the dorsal surface of the thorax ( Fig. 14E). Body lengths: ♀ 73.5-91.5 mm, ♂ 48.0-57.0 mm.

Remarks. – The incredible intraspecific variability of B. lacerta in various aspects and notably more prominently developed spination in immature specimens has caused the description of a total of eight synonymic species, whose synonymy could be uncovered by the examination of a large series of specimens from various localities throughout the island of Mindanao in the authors collection and that of RBINS as well as captive breeding over several generations. The three syntypesupon which Redtenbacher described lacerta actually represent three distinct species. Thus, the selection of a lectotype has become necessarytoprovide a definitionandstability for Redtenbacher’sspecies and allowing to synonymise other taxa under lacerta . The adult ♀ from “Mindanao” in the collectionof NHMWis here chosen asthe lectotype for the following reasons.The ♂ syntype from Luzon in NHMWis a penultimate instar nymphof Obrimus cavernosus Stål,1877 andsince it is immature, would have been an unfortunate choice for being the lectotype.The adult ♂ syntype fromLuzoninthe collection of MNMS is Brasidas bakeri Rehn & Rehn, 1939 and since this species was described from several adult specimens with exact collecting data it is apparently more meaningful to retain bakeri as a valid species, rather than synonymising it with lacerta .

The following seven species are here synonymised with B. lacerta . Brasidas acanthoderus Rehn &Rehn, 1929 is a ♀ nymph with strongly developed body armature, compound posterior meso- and metanotals and strongmedian and medio-lateralmesonotals(n. syn.).Itagreeswell with juvenile examples from Mount Talomo and Kadapawan in the authors collection. Euobrimus atherura Rehn & Rehn, 1939 are two penultimate instar nymphs that have the thoracic supination averagely developed and basically agree to most of the captive reared material from MountApo (n. syn.). Euobrimus cleggi Rehn & Rehn, 1939 was described from an adult ♂ and ♀, both of which have the supination rather weakly developed, the ♀ agreeing well with captive reared specimensfrom MountApoandthe ♂ being of a fairly stocky shape but clearly within the range of captive reared Mount Apo stock (n. syn.). Euobrimus dohrni Rehn & Rehn, 1939 is a name that was introduced for two Mindanaoan specimens recorded as Obrimus cavernosus by Dohrn (1910: 377). For providing stability of the taxon and enabling proper synonymisation, the ♂ is here selected as the lectotype. Morphologically, the ♀ mostly corresponds to the lectotype of lacerta and the ♂ is a specimen with weakly developed body armature and just small latero-anterior spines on abdominal terga II-IV (n. syn.). This synonym was also revealed by a molecular approved presented by Bank et al. (2021: 15). Brasidas foveolatus asper Rehn & Rehn, 1939 is merely a typical ♂ lacerta with moderately developed body spination (n. syn.). Brasidas montivagus Rehn & Rehn, 1939 are two roughly half-grown immature specimens with moderately developed armature but fairly distinct mesonotal medials and medio-laterals (n. syn.). Finally, Euobrimusstephenreyesi Lit & Eusebio, 2006 is a ♂ with very strongly developed body armature, compound posterior meso- and – A. Uniformly dark brown ♀ with a distinct light cream lateral marking on median segment. – B. Greenish light brown ♀ with whitish mottling on abdominal abdominal tergum VII. – C. Mating couple. – D. Plain dark brown ♂. – E. Light brown ♂ with an ochraceous medio-longitudinal dorsal streak on body and distinctly red femoral bases.

metanotals and strong median andmedio-lateral mesonotals (n. syn.).It agrees well with examples from MountTalomo and Kadapawan in the authors collection.

Culture stock of this species has been introduced to Europe in 2008 and originated from Nabunturan and Lake Agko at Mount Apo in southeast Mindanao. It was included and the Phasmid Study Group culture-list as culture No. 301 and is since being successfully reared. Culturing is pretty easy in humid conditions and at least bramble and raspberry ( Rubus spp. , Rosaceae ), roses ( Rosa spp. , Rosaceae ), hazel ( Corylus avellana , Betulaceae ), oaks ( Quercus spp. , Fagaceae ) and ivy ( Hedera helix , Araliaceae ) are frequently accepted as alternative food-plants. Therefore, B. lacerta is believed to be polyphagous also in its natural habitats. The egg is illustrated in figures 73A-B.

Distribution. – Mindanao, endemic. Province Cotabato (Kidapawan [FH]; Magpet [FH]); Province South Cotabato (Mount Apo, Baroring River [ANSP]; Mount Apo, Libulan River 2000 ft. [ANSP]; Mount Apo, Lake Agco Area [RBINS]; Mount Parker [RBINS]; Arakan [FH, RBINS]; Tampakan, Ta’al Falls [RBINS]); Province Bukidnon (Tangeolan [ANSP]; Cabanglasan [RBINS]; Panamokan [RBINS]; Intavas [RBINS]; Valencia [RBINS]; Dominorog [RBINS]); Province Davao (Davao [MCZC]; Calian [ANSP]; Mati [USNM]; Impulatao [ Bank et al., 2021]); Province Davao Oriental (Mount Galintan [USNM];Mount Hamiguitan [ Bank et al., 2021]); Province Davao del Sur (Davao [USNM]; Mount Talomo [FH]; Kapatagan [FH]; Tamayong [FH]; Gumitan [FH]); Province Davao de Oro (Nabunturan [FH, RBINS]; Compostela Valley, Monkayo [FH]); Province Surigao del Sur (Bislig [UPLB]; Barobo [RBINS]; Wao [RBINS]); Province Lanao delSur (Wao[FH];Bayog [FH]; “Frankfort” Bumbaran[ Bank et al., 2021]); Province Agusan del Sur (Loreto [FH]; Borbon [FH]; San Agustin [FH]; Esperanza [RBINS]; Borbon [RBINS]); Province Agusan del Norte (Bayugan [RBINS]); Province Misamis Oriental (Cugman [FH]; Cagayan de Oro [FH]); Province Sarangani (Kiamba [FH]); Province Zamboanga (Bayog [FH]).