A DIVERSITY OF SONGS AMONG MORPHOLOGICALLY INDISTINGUISHABLE KATYDIDS OF THE GENUS MECOPODA ORTHOPTERA: TETTIGONIIDAE) FROM SOUTHERN INDIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Five distinct song types of the genus Mecopoda were found in Southern India. Four were morphologically indistinguishable. Some of them were both sympatric and had synchronous breeding seasons. The songs of these five song types ranged from simple short chirps to highly complex songs with multiple components. The temporal patterns of the songs of the five song types were very distinctive, whereas their spectral features were similar. Component elements of the different songs were distinct despite overall similarity. The song types possibly represent sibling species.