Hierodula

Hierodula^[1] is a genus of praying mantises in the tribe Hierodulini, found throughout Asia. Many species are referred to by the common name giant Asian mantis because of their large size compared to other mantises. Their large size and vibrant coloration make Hierodula mantises popular in the pet trade. Some widespread species include H. membranacea and H. patellifera.^[2]

Phylum:Arthropoda

Class:Insecta

Order:Mantodea

Family:Mantidae

Quick facts Scientific classification, Species ...

Hierodula
unidentified Hierodula species
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Mantodea
Family:	Mantidae
Tribe:	Hierodulini
Genus:	Hierodula Burmeister, 1838
Species
see text
Synonyms
Ephierodula Giglio-Tos, 1912 Parhierodula Giglio-Tos, 1912 Rhomboderula Giglio-Tos, 1912

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The traditional conception of the genus is now considered a 'catch all' and is currently subject to review and taxonomic revision; three species were moved to the new genus Titanodula in 2020,^[3] and a 2022 genetic and morphological study suggested that most of the species in Hierodula should be moved to other genera in the tribe Hierodulini, such as: Rhombodera (for the Hierodula chinensis clade), Tamolanica (for the Hierodula majuscula clade) and Rhombomantis (for the Hierodula patellifera clade); as well as potentially new genera.^[4] This is because the type species of Hierodula is Hierodula membranacea,^{[citation needed]} so only the species closest to it should be considered “true” Hierodula.