The new species has been scientifically described in the Belgian open access taxonomic journal Belgian Journal of Entomology, in the hundredth issue, by Xavier Vermeersch of the RBINS.
Normally, the species, like just about all Asian praying mantis that also look like praying mantis, would be housed in the genus or genus Hierodula.
Outwardly, many of these praying mantis are very similar, but in praying mantis different similar species are mainly identified by the shape of the male genitalia. And those in the new species are so different from those of the subfamily Hierodulinae that Vermeersch has created a new genus for the new species, Titanodula.
The researchers also brought other specimens from Vietnam, one of which turned out to be a male of Hierodula fruhstorferi, a species that until now was only known by a female specimen. Vermeersch has now also brought that species to the new genus and her name is now Titanodula fruhstorferi.
Also two other Asian praying mantis, Hierodula grandis in Hierodula formosana Vermeersch has given a place in the new gender.
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