Trophic relationships and their importance for biotopic distribution of grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Acridoidea) in semi-deserts and deserts of the lower Volga river area

Abstract

The trophic associations of grasshoppers in the semi-deserts and deserts of the lower Volga area are analyzed. Most of the species studied are narrow oligophages or monophages; they constitute four groups trophically associated with edificators of the commonest desert plant communities (hygro- and mesophytic grasses, xerophytic grasses, wormwoods, and chenopods). The trophic specialization is shown to contribute significantly to the formation of biotopic association and structure of grasshopper assemblages.