COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF STRIDULATORY ORGANS USING SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY BETWEEN TWO TRIBES (ACRIDIDAE: ACRIDINAE) OF EGYPT

Abstract

Electron scanning, photography and description of organs involved in stridulation were performed, for two selected species, for the first time globaly and particularly in Egypt. Male and female fresh specimens of Calephorus compressocornis (Latreille) and Truxalis grandis Klug (Acrididae: Acridinae) were collected and structures concerned in stridulation were scanned using scanning electron microscope (SEM), following standard techniques. The present investigations were carried out to achieve comparative studies, for organs and mechanisms concerning mechanical sound production (stridulation) of the two species. These two concerned species demonstrate two genera, each as a sole genus of its tribe. Calephorini and Truxalini, belonging to subfamily Acridinae (Acrididae), as distinct taxonomic groups, related taxonomically and varied distinctly in the stridulation and associated structure. Diagnosis and morphological characterization of the species, including their stridulatory apparatus are presented. Digital photos and scanning electron photography of the specialized parts concerning stridulation were also provided. In addition, their distribution and proposed stridulatory mechanisms were discussed. Moreover, extra structures (hind wings) were scanned by SEM, for any supposed structures.