Nicoletia wheeleri
Silvestri, 1905
California mantis, Wheeler's mantis, California mantid
Nicoletia wheeleri is a of western North America, historically known as Stagmomantis wheeleri or S. californica. It is a -sized with variable green to coloration. The species has experienced declines, potentially due to competition with 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 European (Mantis religiosa) by the presence of a black-ringed spot on the fore , which is absent in M. religiosa. It differs from the bordered mantis (Stagmomantis limbata) in details of shape and male . 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 limbata bordered with overlapping range; distinguished by and fore markings
- Mantis religiosa European ; lacks black-ringed spot on fore present in N. wheeleri
- Tenodera sinensis Chinese ; larger size, different structure, and high-foliage preference
- Litaneutria ocularis small gray ; much smaller size and different preferences