Preliminary Checklist of Ensifera (Orthoptera) Species from Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Mindanao, Philippines
Abstract
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) is a key biodiversity area that serves as a crucial habitat for Ensifera species. This study provides the first preliminary checklist of Ensifera species in Mt. Malindang. The study was conducted through a purposive sampling via hand catching across 14 selected sites in MMRNP from January to November 2024 and from March to April 2025 respectively. Results showed a total of 36 species from six families, 11 subfamilies, and 28 genera of Ensifera were recorded with 25% endemic to Mindanao Island. Paranisitra flavofacia Baroga-Barbecho, Yap, Tan & Robillard, 2019 was the most dominant species recorded in the area. Interestingly, Anthracites zebra Hebard, 1922, was noted to have color variations, from which each species was collected at different sites. Additionally, two new species were identified in this study such Itara mindanao Tan, Bahoy, Grumo & Gono, 2024 and Scytocera musa Tan & Rivera, 2025. The study highlights the underappreciated status of Ensiferans in Mt. Malindang, evidenced by the numerous new locality records and the identification of two previously unknown species. These results underscore the importance of ongoing and thorough exploration of Ensifera species in the area, building on sampling efforts that have been ongoing since 1959. Nonetheless, the lack of molecular data limits a complete understanding of their genetic composition and evolutionary connections, hindering efforts to accurately resolve phylogenetic relationships, assess cryptic diversity, and implement informed conservation strategies.
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