Groundhoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) of the wetlands of Ramaroshan, Achham (Nepal) with description of a new species

Abstract

This paper presents a list of groundhoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Ramaroshan, Achham, Nepal, along with the description of a new species, Hedotettix samitae sp. nov. A total of 7 species were recorded from the study area. The new species is brachypronotal with anterior margin of pronotum slightly rounded; robust hind femora; and antennal grooves with top margin above bottom margin of eyes and bottom margin slightly below. The new species is in many ways similar to Hedotettix gracilis. Hedotettix (gracilis) species group is described to include these two species, which differ mainly in the shape of the hind femora, scutellum, and anterior margin of pronotum. The taxonomy of the genus Hedotettix is problematic, and it is likely to be paraphyletic. Future works involving molecular studies would solve the taxonomic problems. Bolivaritettix insignis (Kirby, 1914) is recorded for the first time from Nepal.