D3344: Distribution of Mantodea in South Africa

The Mantodea is a small order of insects of which very little knowledge regarding their biology, ecology and distribution exists, especially in South Africa. For example, the knowledge of South African Mantodea is scattered throughout the literature and was compiled into a checklist but this checklist was published more than 20 years ago and excluded most of the specimens held in the national museum collections in South Africa. In this study we compiled an updated checklist and distribution maps using specimen records of the mantid fauna held in South African collections as well as incorporating data from citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist and GBIF.org. In total 148 spp. (64 genera in 15 families) and 3560 distribution records were recorded as well as 1886 records from citizen science platforms. The distribution of the Mantodea within the country show that the north-Eastern parts of the country contain the most collection records, however, analyses of the frequency of species occurrence identified several other “hotspot areas” in the country, notably in the Savanna, Grassland, Succulent Karoo and Fynbos biome. These hotspot areas indicate centres of high Mantodea species diversity and could indicate areas of conservation concern which should be further investigated. As only 13 mantid species are currently listed on the IUCN red data list. Data presented in this study contributes to establishing the current state of South African mantid species conservation status as well as their ecological requirements and much needed biogeographical information of these charismatic insects.