''Choeradodis'' is a
genus of
praying mantises
Mantises are an order (Mantodea) of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae ("mantids"). Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They ha ...
with
common name
In biology, a common name of a taxon or organism (also known as a vernacular name, English name, colloquial name, country name, popular name, or farmer's name) is a name that is based on the normal language of everyday life; and is often contrast ...
s such as shield mantis, hood mantis (or hooded mantis), and leaf mantis (or leafy mantis) because of their extended, leaf-like
thoraces.
Wood-Mason, J. 1880. Synopsis of the species of Choeradodis, a remarkable genus of Mantodea common to Indian and Tropical America. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 47(1):82-84.[ Texas A&M University] The distinguishing characteristic of ''Choreododis'' from which it takes its common names is a laterally expanded thorax. This adaptation for the purpose of
camouflage, as well as a rounded
wing case and a
habit of staying relatively flattened, aid its
leaf mimicry
In evolutionary biology, mimicry is an evolved resemblance between an organism and another object, often an organism of another species. Mimicry may evolve between different species, or between individuals of the same species. Often, mimicry f ...
.
Distribution
''Choeradodis'' is widely distributed. In the Americas, members of this genus are found in the
Neotropical realm from South America to Mexico. In Asia, members of this genus dwell in the same
climate zone of India.
Species
The following species are recognised in the genus ''Choeradodis'':
*''
Choeradodis columbica'' (Columbian shield mantis
)
*''
Choeradodis rhombicollis'' (Peruvian shield mantis )
*''
Choeradodis rhomboidea'' (tropical shield mantis, hooded mantis, leaf mantis
*''
Choeradodis stalii'' (tropical shield mantis, hooded mantis, leaf mantis )
*''
Choeradodis strumaria'' (leaf mantis, hooded mantis
Leaf Mantis - ''Mantis strumaria'')
See also
* List of mantis genera and species
* Leaf mantis
* Shield mantis
References
Mantidae
Mantodea genera
Mantodea of North America
Mantodea of South America
{{mantidae-stub