Acoustic behaviour and phonotaxis in the duetting ephippigerines, Steropleurus nobrei* and Steropleurus stali (Tettigoniidae)

Abstract

Abstract Both sexes of the ephippigerines Steropleurus stali and S. nobrei can stridulate and produce multisyllabic calls which are described. Female stridulation is in response to the conspecific male call. In both species either sex can perform phonotaxis on the call of the conspecific member of the opposite sex, but ignore the calls of other species. The parameters of the calls are examined with the conclusion that the only reliably distinctive feature is the modal or carrier frequency generated during stridulation. There are frequency differences between male and female calls in both species. Males only perform phonotaxis on female replies generated in response to their own call, implying that there is also some time window involved. Male phonotaxis was faster and more accurate than that of the female. Acoustic rivalry and aggression were also noted, particularly in females.