Hestiasula Saussure, 1871

= Hestias Saussure, 1872

= Catestiasula Giglio-Tos, 1915

Includes nineteen species in S and SE Asia. Forefemora enlarged, used in intraspecific communication and during startling display (“foreleg waving”, see MacKinnon 1969, Edmunds 1972, 1976, Loxton 1979, Schwarz 2003). Although listed here among Acromantinae, in concordance with Beier (1964) and Ehrmann (2002), molecular data suggest that this genus may be better placed among Oxypilinae (Svenson & Whiting 2009) . This genus is arboricolous, although specimens can also be found on high weeds and scrubs.

Hestiasula phyllopus (De Haan, 1842)

Mantis (Oxypilus) phyllopus De Haan, 1842

= Hestias sarawaca Westwood, 1889

Distribution. Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Java, Borneo (Giglio-Tos 1927, Werner 1930, 1933, Ehrmann 2002).

Bornean records. Sarawak: Kuching (SMSM), Mt. Dulit (Beier 1937); Brunei: Kuala Belalong (OK in situ); Sabah: N Sabah (AFUW), Danum Valley (Helmkampf et al. 2007; CSUB)

Hestiasula sp.

Distribution. Borneo: Sarawak: Mt. Santubong (SMNK); Brunei: Kuala Belalong (OK in situ); Sabah: Danum Valley (Helmkampf et al. 2007).

Remarks. A second species closely related to H. phyllopus occurs in Borneo, distinguished from the latter by largely hyaline wings with an apical spot, and black fore-coxae. The taxonomic status of this species is currently under investigation by CS.

Hestiasula nitida (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1892)

Pachymantis nitida Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1892

Distribution. N India, Myanmar, Sumatra, SE Borneo (Giglio-Tos 1927, Werner 1933, Beier 1958, Ehrmann 2002).

Bornean records. Kalimantan: Mentawir (Beier 1958), Sampit (Beier 1958).

Remarks. This and the following species are closely related. The tegmina are iridescent, hyaline with blackish veins. This species was placed in the genus Catestiasula by Giglio-Tos (1915), but united with Hestiasula by Beier (1934).

Hestiasula moultoni (Giglio-Tos, 1915)

Distribution. Borneo (Giglio-Tos 1915, 1927, Ehrmann 2002, Helmkampf et al. 2007). Sarawak: Kuching (Giglio-Tos 1927), Lanjak Entimau (1 m, CSUB); Brunei: Kuala Belalong (OK in situ); Sabah: Danum Valley (Helmkampf et al. 2007), Tawau Hills (AFUW).

Remarks. The tegmina are hyaline with reddish veins. This species was also placed in the genus Catestiasula by Giglio-Tos (1915).