The Neotropical praying mantises of the genus Liturgusa (Saussure) are comprehensively treated after receiving little or no taxonomic attention after their original descriptions. All species are strictly associated with tree bark habitats and appear flattened and highly camouflage while also being adept runners that will actively hide by fleeing to the opposite side of a tree trunk if disturbed; some species have even been observed fluttering to the forest floor and playing dead. This work includes redescriptions of the genus and all previously described species, descriptions of three new genera and 19 new species, identification of four new synonyms, complete bibliographies for each species, a key to identify males and females, locality data for all examined specimens, measurement ranges for all species, diagnostic illustrations, and high resolution images of types and representative specimens. This work triples the known diversity of Neotropical bark mantises and documents their natural history as well as geographic distribution, which includes central Mexico south to Bolivia and east to southern Brazil.

Recent phylogenetic studies on evolutionary relationships within the Acanthopoidea, known as “polymorphic earless praying mantises,” revealed numerous issues with the taxonomic status and morphological boundaries of many genera and species within this superfamily. The authors of this monograph present a thorough morphological assessment based on museum specimens and reexamination of type material, aimed toward redefining the morphological delineation of all Acanthopoidea genera, verifying the generic identity of all nominal species within the superfamily, and establishing taxonomic and nomenclatural foundations for future revisionary studies of acanthopoid genera. Their work resulted in numerous modifications in the taxonomy of this lineage, including the description of a new genus.

Volume Two of the new guide to the study of biodiversity in insects Volume Two of Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society presents an entirely new, companion volume of a comprehensive resource for the most current research on the influence insects have on humankind and on our endangered environment. With contributions from leading researchers and scholars on the topic, the text explores relevant topics including biodiversity in different habitats and regions, taxonomic groups, and perspectives. Volume Two offers coverage of insect biodiversity in regional settings, such as the Arctic and Asia, and in particular habitats including crops, caves, and islands. The authors also include information on historical, cultural, technical, and climatic perspectives of insect biodiversity. This book explores the wide variety of insect species and their evolutionary relationships. Case studies offer assessments on how insect biodiversity can help meet the needs of a rapidly expanding human population, and examine the consequences that an increased loss of insect species will have on the world. This important text: Offers the most up-to-date information on the important topic of insect biodiversity Explores vital topics such as the impact on insect biodiversity through habitat loss and degradation and climate change With its companion Volume I, presents current information on the biodiversity of all insect orders Contains reviews of insect biodiversity in culture and art, in the fossil record, and in agricultural systems Includes scientific approaches and methods for the study of insect biodiversity The book offers scientists, academics, professionals, and students a guide for a better understanding of the biology and ecology of insects, highlighting the need to sustainably manage ecosystems in an ever-changing global environment.

Volume Two of the new guide to the study of biodiversity in insects Volume Two of Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society presents an entirely new, companion volume of a comprehensive resource for the most current research on the influence insects have on humankind and on our endangered environment. With contributions from leading researchers and scholars on the topic, the text explores relevant topics including biodiversity in different habitats and regions, taxonomic groups, and perspectives. Volume Two offers coverage of insect biodiversity in regional settings, such as the Arctic and Asia, and in particular habitats including crops, caves, and islands. The authors also include information on historical, cultural, technical, and climatic perspectives of insect biodiversity. This book explores the wide variety of insect species and their evolutionary relationships. Case studies offer assessments on how insect biodiversity can help meet the needs of a rapidly expanding human population, and examine the consequences that an increased loss of insect species will have on the world. This important text: Offers the most up-to-date information on the important topic of insect biodiversity Explores vital topics such as the impact on insect biodiversity through habitat loss and degradation and climate change With its companion Volume I, presents current information on the biodiversity of all insect orders Contains reviews of insect biodiversity in culture and art, in the fossil record, and in agricultural systems Includes scientific approaches and methods for the study of insect biodiversity The book offers scientists, academics, professionals, and students a guide for a better understanding of the biology and ecology of insects, highlighting the need to sustainably manage ecosystems in an ever-changing global environment.

"Reviews current understanding of mantid biology related to their taxonomy and morphology, reproduction, neurobiology, ecology, and defense strategies." -- Choice

This peer reviewed text includes a dichotomous key to all 16 genera of Mantodea found in the U.S. and Canada. Extremely detailed descriptions are provided for each of the 28 species found within this region. One newly listed invasive species is documented, raising the total number of introduced species to seven-25% of the region's Mantodea fauna. Updated species treatments include taxonomic illustrations, precise morphological descriptions, accurate morphometry, complete natural history documentation, exhaustive historical literature review, and detailed distribution range maps. There are 183 illustrations contained within the 297 pages of text, including 120 color photographs of live specimens.