On the presence of Tenodera rungsi Uvarov, 1935 and Apteromantis bolivari (Werner, 1929) in Morocco with considerations on the ecology and conservation of some North African mantids (Insecta: Mantodea)

During an expedition held in 2011 in North Morocco, living populations of very rare mantids like Tenodera rungsi, Apteromantis bolivari were encountered and recorded, confirming their presence after more than half a century of silence. Collected specimens, compared with other species by their taxonomy and biogeography, confirmed old records and descriptions and gave important information on the ecology of mantids in the Mediterranean area. The rarity, the reduced distribution and the poor knowledge on Moroccan mantids lead to some considerations on the conservation problems and priorities about these insects.