Cornucollis masoalensis
Brannoch & Svenson, 2016
Cornucollis masoalensis is a small praying mantis described in 2016 from a single male specimen collected in Madagascar in 2001. It represents the type species of the Cornucollis, distinguished by prominent horn-like projections extending from the neck region and flattened, cone-shaped . The species was discovered during examination of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle collection in Paris and is known only from the type locality in northeastern Madagascar.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cornucollis masoalensis: /njuˈdʒiːnəs ɒn daɪˈkænθɪlɪəm nuˈspiːʃiz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Tropidomantinae by the combination of horn-like pronotal projections and flattened, cone-shaped . The neck projections are the most diagnostic feature and are not known in other mantises from Madagascar. The small size (24 mm) and pale coloration with speckled patches further separate it from regional .
Habitat
Collected from leaves of an unidentified tree. Based on external , researchers infer the dwells on the undersides of leaves, a microhabitat occupied by morphologically similar, closely related species in the Tropidomantinae. The type locality is in lowland forest in northeastern Madagascar.
Distribution
Known only from the type locality: Tampolo, Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar. The specific collection site was on the leaves of an unrecorded tree .
Seasonality
Specimen collected in 2001; no data on seasonal activity patterns available.
Life Cycle
Only the male has been described. No information available on stages, development, or .
Ecological Role
Presumably a like other mantises, but no specific observations of prey or ecological interactions have been recorded.
Human Relevance
No known direct interactions with humans. The discovery highlights the value of museum collections for biodiversity documentation, as the was identified from a specimen that had been collected 15 years prior and stored unstudied.
Similar Taxa
- Other Tropidomantinae speciesShare small size, green or pale coloration, and leaf-dwelling habits, but lack the distinctive horn-like neck projections and flattened cone-shaped of Cornucollis masoalensis.
More Details
Type specimen
male deposited at Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (MNHN). Collected in 2001, described in 2016.
Etymology
name Cornucollis derives from Latin cornu (horn) and collis (neck/hill), referring to the horn-like projections on the pronotum. epithet masoalensis refers to the Masoala Peninsula, the type locality.
Research significance
Discovery resulted from systematic examination of museum collections rather than fieldwork, demonstrating that undescribed species remain hidden in institutional collections. Only male known; female and additional specimens await discovery through further field surveys.