A new species and a new record of the oriental stick insect genus Presbistus (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) from Thailand

Abstract

The genus Presbistus and the family Aschiphasmatidae are recorded from Thailand for the first time. A new species of Presbistus Kirby, 1896, Presbistus muka sp. nov., is described from the Mahidol University Campus in Kanchanaburi,West Thailand based on both sexes and eggs. The new species is diagnosed and differentiated from its congenerics by its distinct colouration and by the notably short wings. Illustrations of adults, specimens in situ, host plants, records on biology and a distribution map are provided. A second Presbistus species, Presbistus vitivorus Bresseel & Constant, 2022 is also recorded from West Thailand, its distribution and morphology are briefly discussed.