Nicoletia wheeleri
Silvestri, 1905
California mantis, Wheeler's mantis, California mantid
Nicoletia wheeleri is a native praying mantis of western North America, historically known as Stagmomantis wheeleri or S. californica. It is a medium-sized with variable green to brown coloration. The species has experienced declines, potentially due to competition with introduced mantis species such as Mantis religiosa and Tenodera sinensis. It is one of five native mantis species recorded in California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nicoletia wheeleri: //ˌnɪkɔˈlɛtiə ˈʍiːləri//
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Identification
Nicoletia wheeleri can be distinguished from the introduced European mantis (Mantis religiosa) by the presence of a black-ringed white spot on the fore , which is absent in M. religiosa. It differs from the native bordered mantis (Stagmomantis limbata) in details of pronotum shape and male genitalia. typically show a more slender pronotum compared to S. limbata. The () is smaller and less foamy than those of Tenodera sinensis.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of western North America including deserts, grasslands, and open woodlands. Often associated with low vegetation and ground-level substrates rather than high foliage.
Distribution
to western North America, primarily California and adjacent regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Stagmomantis limbataNative bordered mantis with overlapping range; distinguished by pronotum and fore markings
- Mantis religiosaIntroduced European mantis; lacks black-ringed white spot on fore present in N. wheeleri
- Tenodera sinensisIntroduced Chinese mantis; larger size, different structure, and high-foliage preference
- Litaneutria ocularisNative small gray mantis; much smaller size and different preferences