Mantids of the colombian Orinoquia: contribution to the knowledge of their generic diversity and sorne bioecological aspects (lnsecta: Mantodea)

Abstract

168 mantids specimens coming from the region of the Colombian Orinoquia were reviewed, observed, and gathered in some entomological collections of this country and in three field seasons: (subregions) Plains of the Ariari, San Martín (Meta); Plains of the Casanare. Arauca (Arauca) and Plains of the Vichada, PNN The Tuparro (Vichada). Collections were made in three habitat types (Savanna, a bush of Mount and Forest of Gallery)  using different methods:  manual gathering, entomological net,  traps of light,  hitting (agitation of bushes), Barber,  Malaisse and breeding cages (attraction pheromonal).  The generic diversity of mantids was determined for the region. It is pointed out some bioecological aspects and affinities according to the preference of ecosystems, microhabitat and grade of anthropic intervention. Collected specimens were distributed in 5 families,  1  L  subfamilies and 23 genera, of which Heterovates, Paraphotina, Catoxyopsis, Thespotria and Brunneria are new records for Colombia, the latter was described as a new species, B. orinocensis Agudelo y Chica. The genera Liturgusa, !'1usonia, Stagmatoptera and Acanthops were the most abundant. Liturgusa, !'1antoida and Angela presented wide distribution and frequency. The Colombian Orinoquia represents a region with a high diversity of mantids, with 100% of the families reported for this country, 90% of the subfamilies and 50% of the genera.