Assessment Rationale:

Pseudoyersinia subaptera is an endemic mantid of the Canary Islands. At present, most of its ecology is unknown and taxonomy needs to be better defined (Becerra and Oromi 1999, Bercerra et al. 2001, Wieland et al. 2014). It is present in two small fragmented subpopulations on two different islands and is linked to particular habitats of endemic vegetation. The species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of ca. 6,500 km², an area of occupancy (AOO) of 336-2,000 km² and a severely fragmented population. It is generally rare and a continuing decline in the number of subpopulations, number of mature individuals and in the extent and quality of habitat is inferred from the ongoing threats. Therefore, the species is currently assessed as Vulnerable (VU), but it is very close to the Endangered category and further research needs to be done in the near future.

Geographic Range:

Pseudoyersinia subaptera is endemic to the Canary Islands, distributed on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife (Bercerra et al. 2001). The area of occupancy (AOO) is 336 km² with an upper estimate of 2,000 km². The extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca. 6,500 km².

Population:

Two subpopulations are known on the islands of Gran Canaria (central part) and Tenerife (SW coast) (Bercerra et al. 2001).

Habitat and Ecology

According to data listed in the bibliography and field observations made by the assessors, this species seems to live on the basal cardonales and tabaibales vegetation and on scrub vegetation present on the slopes of the islands. It is active virtually during all the months of the year, although seems to be more frequent during the spring (Bercerra et al. 2001).

Major Threat(s):

Threats to this species are not known in detail. However, habitat destruction may be a serious threat, expecially in the coastal area of Tenerife which is strongly affected by urbanisation, touristic and industrial development. Local changes in land use as intensive agriculture or a marked increase of overbuilding is contributing to the destruction of natural habitats of this species, even if their real impact needs to be studied in detail. The use of pesticides may also be a threat that may have a direct influence on this species, or indirect by degrading its ecosystem. Research is needed to study the threats.

Conservation Actions

This species benefits from protected areas of the Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas, where the natural habitat is preserved. Most of the ecology of this species is unknown and research is needed. The taxonomy of the subfamily Amelinae is also problematic and needs to be solved with further morphological and molecular research (Wieland et al. 2014).