Contribution to the Knowledge of Mantids (Insecta, Mantodea) in Central Mexico: A Morphological and Molecular Approach.

Mantids (Insecta, Mantodea) are a monophyletic group of insects in the Dictyoptera clade. The group has not been well studied for Mexico, and its diversity and biogeographical patterns are not well documented. In this work, specimens were collected in the field, mounted, and identified using morphological and molecular characteristics. A taxonomic list, photographs, and an identification key are provided for families, genera, and species of mantids of Morelos. This work provides new empirical evidence of geographical distribution of mantids in Central Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]