Review of the genus <i>Hierodula</i> Burmeister (Mantodea: Mantidae) in Iran.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hierodula is a morphologically conservative mantid genus with a complex taxonomic history and several problematic species-level concepts across its native and invaded ranges. In Iran, four nominal Hierodula species have historically been reported (H. macrostigmata, H. tenuidentata, H. transcaucasica, and "H. trimacula"), but their validity and distributions have remained uncertain due to overlapping diagnostic characters and limited molecular data. This study addresses these issues by reassessing all available Iranian material within an integrative framework.

Methods

The revision combines: Morphological examination of type and non-type material from Iran, India, Pakistan, and Oman, including detailed study of external characters and m

SUBMITTER: Mirzaee Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12910289 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature