Abstract
Orthopterans and their songs are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of Euconocephalus varius in suburban areas to analyze the factors influencing their distribution. The study sites were located in Fujisawa and Chigasaki Cities, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. On a large scale, we counted E. varius by their calling songs at census points 200 m apart, and, on a small scale, recorded the vegetation types, height, and areas where they were distributed. Furthermore, we collected vegetation maps created by government surveys. The relationship between the frequency of E. varius and vegetation coverage around the census points was analyzed. An analysis of the large-scale areas revealed that vegetation types have a significant positive influence on E. varius distribution, such as paddy field areas around the 100 m buffer (p<0.001). In the small-scale analysis, tall grasslands, bushes and hedges were important habitats, and these small patches enabled E. varius to survive in urbanized areas. The present study shows that E. varius can adapt to highly urbanized areas. Therefore, they could be considered one of target species regarding green space conservation in urban areas.
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