Caspar Stoll's Praying Mantises of the Dutch Colonial Empire

Abstract. 1. The important role of 18th century cabinets of natural history is discussed. 2. Stoll’s monumental work is critically assessed. 3. The rediscovery of Manuel as the rightful authority of the Mantodea names found within the Encyclopédie Méthodique is presented. 4. The recognition of Houttuyn as the rightful authority of the Latin binomials found within the final edition of Stoll’s text is presented. 5. The correct usage of nomenclature that is associated with the species treated within Stoll’s text is introduced, strictly utilizing the guidance set forth from the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.