Kris Anderson
Well-known member
Stagmomantis genus analysis finalized; new dichotomous key generated for the 5 species found in the U.S. Species treatment for Stagmomantis (californica) wheelerii completed. New synonymy rationale and historical taxonomy thoroughly reviewed.
Given the distinctive original description of Mantis wheelerii, in conjunction with the type locality region provided and the multitude of problems with Werner’s suggested synonymy, it is evident that Thomas’ specimen is more aligned with S. californica than it is to S. carolina, as originally pointed out by Barnum. Therefore, Mantis wheelerii should be synonymous with S. californica and not S. carolina. Rehn & Hebard’s 1909 description of S. californica was published 34 years following Thomas’ description of the Wheeler survey specimen and should thereby be revised as a junior synonym of Stagmomantis (Mantis) wheelerii, which was established by Thomas in 1875.
“Praying Mantises of the United States and Canada”
https://www.researchgate.net/project/Praying-Mantises-of-the-United-States-and-Canada
Given the distinctive original description of Mantis wheelerii, in conjunction with the type locality region provided and the multitude of problems with Werner’s suggested synonymy, it is evident that Thomas’ specimen is more aligned with S. californica than it is to S. carolina, as originally pointed out by Barnum. Therefore, Mantis wheelerii should be synonymous with S. californica and not S. carolina. Rehn & Hebard’s 1909 description of S. californica was published 34 years following Thomas’ description of the Wheeler survey specimen and should thereby be revised as a junior synonym of Stagmomantis (Mantis) wheelerii, which was established by Thomas in 1875.
“Praying Mantises of the United States and Canada”
https://www.researchgate.net/project/Praying-Mantises-of-the-United-States-and-Canada
