Tettigoniidae Research Articles

Range Expansion and Invasive Capacity of the Wing Di- and Polymorphic Insects: A Short Review

In this review article the invasive potential of wing dimorphic and polymorphic insects is discussed by presenting two case studies and overviewing the general knowledge of the dispersal abilities of these insects. Flying morphs of the wing dimorphic rice planthoppers Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera continuously re-invade the rice fields in Japan and Northern China, where subsequent generations of dimorphic populations build up, causing several economic damages. The rapid range expansion of the wing dimorphic bush cricket Metrioptera roeselii in Central and Northern Europe in the 2000s was documented and extensively studied. These case studies are analysed, and the general relation of wing dimorphism and polymorphism and invasive potential is briefly discussed using the extensive knowledge on the wing dimorphism and polymorphism present in different insect orders.

Molecular Characterization and Identification of Grasshopper Pests of Rice Inferred From Mitochondrial COI Gene Sequences

Oryza sativa (L.) is one of the world’s most important crop providing staple food for nearly half of the global population. Rice is subjected to considerable damage by a number of grasshoppers. The accurate identification of pest species is a crucial step for the appropriate application of control measures. Molecular characterization and DNA barcoding of grasshopper pests of rice was performed in the present research work. Six species of grasshopper pests were identified from different paddy fields using COI gene sequences. Among the sequences the A+T content (64.2%) was higher than the G+C (35.8%) content. The interspecific genetic distance ranged between 13 and 34%. The haplotype analysis of Conocephalus exemptus showed highest (110) mutated sites among the analyzed species. Both the Maximum likelihood and Neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree construction showed two distinct clades of short-horned and long-horned grasshoppers. C. exemptus was found in another monophyletic group. Our results demonstrate that DNA barcoding is likely to be a powerful tool for identifying and understanding grasshopper evolution. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (2): 217-229, 2022

Innovative feedstocks for optimal mass production of the edible long-horned grasshopper, Ruspolia differens.

The edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae) is a highly nutritious food source consumed in over 20 African countries. Its occurrence is highly seasonal, and wild harvesting is carried out using locally designed and inefficient light traps, thus limiting sustainable utilization as an important food source. To ensure year-round production and availability of R. differens, we evaluated the effects of low-cost and affordable diets based on agricultural by-products on their growth performance, survival, fecundity, and longevity. A total of four diets with varying ratios of agricultural by-products were evaluated: Diet 1 [33.3% maize bran (MB) + 33.3% wheat bran (WB) + 33.3% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP)], Diet 2 [25% MB + 25% WB + 25% MOLP + 25% shrimp powder (SP)], Diet 3 [20% MB + 20% WB + 20% MOLP + 20% SP + 20% soya bean meal], and Diet 4 ("control"-routinely used diet). The grasshoppers were subjected to the diets from the 1st nymphal instar (24-h-old stages) through adult stages until death. Diet 3 had the highest crude protein content (28%) and digestibility (74.7%). R. differens fed Diet 3 had the shortest development time (57 days) [p < 0.001], highest survival (87%) [p < 0.001], and maximum longevity (89days) [p = 0.015] and fecundity (247 eggs/female) [p = 0.549] across the various diets. Female survival rate (59%) on Diet 3 was significantly higher compared to the males (41%). The adult female weight gain was significantly higher compared to males fed on different diets. Percentage hatchability of eggs was not significantly different when females were fed Diet 3 and Diet 2. There was a significantly positive correlation between longevity and fecundity of R. differens reared on Diet 2 and 3. These diets could be further optimized and fine-tuned for improved cost-effective mass production of R. differens continent-wide to reduce dependence on erratic and poor seasonal harvest during swarms.

Nontarget catches of traps with chemical lures may refer to the flower-visitation, probable pollination, and feeding of bush crickets (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae)

Nontarget catches of traps with chemical lures may refer to the flower-visitation, probable pollination, and feeding of bush crickets (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae)

Morphology and ultrastructure of the Balbiani body in the oocytes of closely related bush cricket species. Shared features reveal important aspect of functioning

Balbiani bodies (Bbs) are female germline-specific organelle assemblages usually composed of mitochondria, Golgi complexes, elements of endoplasmic reticulum and accumulations of fine granular material, termed the nuage. Here we present results of morphological and ultrastructural analysis of the Bb of four bush crickets nested in four subfamilies of the family Tettigonidae. This study has revealed that Bbs of closely related species (belonging to the defined evolutionary line) are morphologically rather different. In two species (Meconema meridionale and Pholidoptera griseoaptera) the Bb has the form of a hollow hemisphere that covers a part of the germinal vesicle surface. In contrast, the Bb of Conocephalus fuscus and Leptophyes albovittata is less distinct and surrounds the whole or the majority of the germinal vesicle surface. Aside from this difference, the Bbs of all four studied species are built of identical sets of organelles and, most importantly, share one significant feature: close association of mitochondria and nuage accumulations. We show additionally that mitochondria remaining in direct contact with the nuage are characterized by distinct morphologies e.g. elongated, dumbbell shaped or bifurcated. In the light of our results and literature survey, the ancestral function of the Bb is discussed.

New taxa and notes on bark and bush crickets (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Gryllidae, Landrevinae and Podoscirtinae) from Sabah.

From the eastern parts of Sabah, four new species of crickets are described, two of which are from the subfamily Landrevinae and two from the subfamily Podoscirtinae: Duolandrevus (Duolandrevus) nobilis sp. nov. and Odontogryllodes spinifer sp. nov.; and Brevimunda trilineata sp. nov. and Varitrella (Cantotrella) tabin sp. nov., respectively. We also describe the calling songs for three species: Duolandrevus (Bejorama) lambir Gorochov, 2017, Duolandrevus (Duolandrevus) nobilis sp. nov. and Varitrella (Cantotrella) tabin sp. nov. A new locality record (Sabah, Sepilok) for Duolandrevus (Bejorama) lambir Gorochov, 2017, previously known from western Borneo (Sarawak, Lambir Hill and Brunei Darussalam, Kuala Belalong), was also reported.

Hurry up and sing: early onset of diel calling behaviour and ecological drivers of calling behaviour of Acanthoplus discoidalis

ABSTRACT Animals adopt circadian rhythms and diel calling patterns to ensure successful breeding, avoid predators, and reduce intra- and inter-species competition. We determine the diel calling behaviour of the bush cricket, Acanthoplus discoidalis, across different vegetation types in the southern Kalahari, and whether any variation in calling behaviour exists across the different regions of the landscape. We identify potential environmental drivers impacting its calling behaviour, as well as any impact temperature and wind may have on the species’ calling behaviour. Acanthoplus discoidalis was recorded singing in all vegetation types, calling starts around 10h00 and ceases at 00h00, with a peak from 15h00 to 23h00, a longer peak than expected based on previous studies. This pattern was consistent across all vegetation types, although calling intensity was less in mountainous, rocky, and windy areas. A likely explanation for the expanded diel pattern is that sampling occurred during a mass emergence of the species, and so a wider temporal niche could be a response to reduce intraspecies competition for females. Furthermore, this diel calling pattern may reduce encounters with predators, which are typically either strictly nocturnal or diurnal, yet it is likely this species relies on physical defences over acoustic adaptations to avoid predation.

Strong genetic differentiation between fragmented alpine bush‐cricket populations demands preservation of evolutionary significant units

Abstract The eastern alpine bush cricket, Anonconotus italoaustriacus Nadig, 1987, is a grassland species historically present in a few disjunct ranges in north‐eastern Italy and High Tauern in Austria. The species has recently been included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species with a decreasing population trend. Information regarding the genetic structure of endangered insect populations and the delineation of evolutionary significant units (ESUs) are nowadays a useful and integral component of many conservation plans. The genetic differentiation of A. italoaustriacus populations was studied through the analysis of four fragments of the mitochondrial DNA in five disjunct populations, covering the entire Italian geographical distribution known for this taxon and partially the Austrian distribution. Results revealed a strong geographical structure among populations and complete absence of gene flow suggesting the need to protect these evolutionary distinct lineages. Divergence time estimation analyses suggested that an ancient separation of bush‐cricket populations occurred approximately 1–1.5 Mya. Since the A. italoaustriacus populations represented genetically differentiated entities, conservation efforts should consider each population as a management unit. Conservation actions, preceded by detailed ecological studies and focused on monitoring, preserving and enlarging the existing habitat patches are thus proposed.

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The predatory bush crickets Saga ephippigera Fischer Von Waldheim, 1846 is the largest Iraqi orthopterans and one of the most active and successful predators in the Kurdistan region. The nymphs and adults prey on all the stages of various species of insects. Twelve adult specimens were collected from Erbil Province during May 2018 and June 2021. Morphological structures of the adult insects were described and illustrated in details; important taxonomic characteristics of body regions with their appendages were chosen; and the results indicated the importance of morphological characteristics which confirmed the identification of this species correctly.

Keragaman dan Kelimpahan Serangga Tanaman Cabai Merah (Capsicum annum L.) Berefugia Kembang Kotokan (Tagetes erecta L.)

This study aims to determine the index of diversity and abundance of insects in red chili with refugia flower kotokan (Tagetes erecta L.) The method used in this study was descriptive analysis using ordinal sampling using a non-factorial randomized block design. This research was carried out in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Medan Area University, from April to June 2021. The insect traps used were yellow sticky traps, pitfall traps, and sweep nets. The results showed an abundance of 2,972 insects consisting of 11 insect orders, 34 insect families and 39 species. Insects from the family Tettigoniidae had the highest value of 10.53%. While the value of predatory insects is 5.15%. from the family Formicidae. The value of the diversity index in the red chili plant area with Tagetes erecta L was (H') 3.3045 (height). The value of the evenness index of insect species (E') in the area of red chili with refugia was 0.902 (quite abundant).

Physico-chemical characterization, acceptability and shelf stability of extruded composite flour enriched with long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens)

In Tanzania, chronic malnutrition rates remain high, with 32 percent of children under the age of 5 being stunted. The high cost of dietary protein sources is a contributing factor to the deterioration of the nutritional status of most children. Edible insects are suggested to provide an alternative source of protein in enriching the nutritional composition of foods. However, there is limited knowledge on the potential use of long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) to enhance the nutritional properties of extruded composite flour. This study intended to develop an extruded composite flour enriched with the long-horned grasshopper and further evaluate its proximate composition, mineral properties, antinutritional composition, functional properties, sensory acceptability, and shelf-life stability. Four samples of composite flour were formulated and processed using a twin-screw extruder to produce extruded composite flour (ECF) with a mixing (%wt.) ratios of 100:0 (ECF 0), 95:5 (ECF 5), 85:15 (ECF 15), 75:25 (ECF 25) for composite flour (cassava, millet, sorghum) and edible long-horned grasshopper pellets, respectively. Feed moisture content and barrel temperature were adjusted from 15 to 16% and 128 to 142 0C for Zone I, and 105 to 114 0C for Zone II, respectively. The findings show that the inclusion of long-horned grasshopper meal in the extruded composite flour significantly increased the moisture, crude fibre, crude ash, crude protein, and crude fat and mineral contents of Fe and Zn while significantly decreasing the carbohydrate contents at (p&lt;0.001), and Mg contents at (p=0.0089). The phytate contents between ECF 0 and extruded composite flour treatments enriched with long-horned grasshopper did not differ significantly (p&lt;0.141). All treatments showed a significant higher tannin content ECF 5 (0.007 mg CE/g), ECF 15 (0.012 mg CE/g) and ECF 25 (0.011 mg CE/g) when compared to values in control (0.004 mg CE/g). There was a significant difference at a 5% confidence level on the sensory properties between ECF 0 and ECF 15 and ECF 25; the latter two treatments had higher scores for colour and a lower score for aroma and taste attributes, respectively ECF 0. In addition, treatments (ECF 5, ECF 15, ECF 25) showed significantly higher peroxide values (3.52 to 5.32 mEq/Kg) than those in the control sample (2.80 to 3.33 mEq/Kg). In conclusion, the inclusion of edible long-horned grasshopper in the composite flour, significantly improved the quantity of crude protein, crude fat, and energy with an adequately appropriate amount of Zn and Fe to meet the needs of fast-growing infants and young children. Moreover, the functional properties of the resulted product were positively affected and its consumption is expected not to cause any harm to the human body. However, the product needs modification to improve aroma and taste attributes to increase product acceptability.

ORTHOPTERAN DIVERSITY IN TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS OF CENTRAL KERALA, INDIA

Orthoptera is a diverse arthropod taxon that includes locusts, grouse locusts, short-horned grasshoppers, long-horned grasshoppers, katydids, crickets and mole crickets. They play crucial roles in food chains, nutrient cycling and pollination. The diversity of orthopterans in agroecosystems and grasslands located in the highlands and lowlands of Central Kerala were studied from December 2019 toMarch 2020. The study was conducted in Avoly of Ernakulam District and Venmony of Idukki District in Kerala by employing random sampling in 10 x10 m quadrats. A total of 35 species of orthopterans, belonging to two suborders, 10 families, 20 subfamilies, and 33 genera were recorded. Family Acrididae with fourteen species was the most dominant family followed by Tettigoniidae. Two species namely, Chitaura indica and Burrinia burri are endemic to the state of Kerala. It was found that the ranges of most of the orthopteran genera reported in our study extend all over the South East Asian countries. The highest number of Orthoptera was reported in December in both locations and it decreased towards March. Simpson’s diversity index value shows that both regions harbour a highly diverse orthopteran community. The diversity index value of Venmony is comparatively higher which might be due to the proximity of the study site to the natural forest ecosystem and fewer disturbances. More studies on the orthopteran fauna of Kerala are recommended which would help control their pest status and exploit their economic potential as food in animal husbandry

The Notched-frons Katydids of Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir) India: new records and a new species of Euconocephalus (Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Copiphorini)

Karny (1912) proposed Copiphorini tribe within the subfamily Conocephalinae, family Tettigoniidae. Copiphorini is now one of the seven tribes of Conocephalinae. The members of this tribe are characterized by notched frons and a slanting head shape. This is the first study of the tribe in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The specimens which were examined for this study were collected in Kashmir from August 2019 to September 2021. During the survey, two genera and four species including a new species, Euconocephalus farooqi sp. nov. were reported. Brief discussion about morphology and distribution of new and first records are given. The holotype of new the species has been deposited in the museum of Zoology Department, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh India.

Host Plant-Based Artificial Diets Enhance Development, Survival and Fecundity of the Edible Long-Horned Grasshopper Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae).

Wild swarms of the long-horned grasshoppers Ruspolia differens (Serville) which are widely harvested for consumption and sale in Africa are seasonal and unsustainable, hence the need for innovative ways of artificially producing the insects. We investigated the development, survival, and reproduction of R. differens in the laboratory on diets mixed with host plants [Digitaria gayana Kunth, Cynodon dactylon (L.) and Megathyrsus maximus Jacq (Poales: Poaceae); Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asterales: Asteraceae)] identified from guts of their wild conspecifics with a view to developing a suitable diet for artificial mass rearing of the edible insect. A standard diet comprising ground black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Startiomyidae) larvae, soybean flour, maize flour, vitamin premix, and ground bones was tested for rearing R. differens as a control against the same ingredients incorporated with individual powders of the different host plants. Whereas R. differens developed more slowly in the diet mixed with D. gayana than in the control diet; its development was faster in the diet mixed with C. dactylon. Mortalities of R. differens in host plant-based diets were 42.5–52.5%, far lower than in the control diet with 71% mortality. The insects raised on the diet mixed with M. maximus laid approximately twice more eggs compared to R. differens fecundities from the rest of the diets. However, inclusion of host plants in the diets had no detectable influence on R. differens adult weight and longevity. These findings support inclusion of specific host plants in artificial diets used for mass rearing of R. differens to enhance its survival, development, and fecundity.

First record and description of female Onomarchus leuconotus (Serville, 1838) (Insect: Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from peninsular India

The members of family Tettigoniidae, commonly called katydids, generally exhibit mimicry and camouflage with shapes and colours similar to leaves. The genus Onomarchus Stal is mainly distributed in temperate and tropical Asia, and was earlier reported from Assam and West Bengal in India. The species Onomarchus leuconotus (Serville, 1838) is reported here for the first time in peninsular India from the Western Ghats (Chandoli National Park, Kolhapur, Maharashtra). This record extends the known geographical range of this species by about 1630 km. As its holotype is not described from India, the female of O. leuconotus is described here via detailed diagnostic characters, colour photographs and illustrations.

Dynamics in nutrients, sterols and total flavonoid content during processing of the edible Long-Horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Serville) for food

Long-horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens Serville) is a tasty delicacy in over 20 African countries. This study evaluated the impact of diverse post-harvest thermal treatment (blanching, boiling, toasting, and deep-frying) on the nutrients, total flavonoid content and sterols preservation of R. differens products. Crude protein, ash, and fibre of R. differens was drastically reduced by deep-frying technique. There was increase in Omega-3 (α-linolenic acid), Omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic and arachidonic acids) and sterols [(22Z)-27-Norergosta-5,22-dien-3β-ol, cholesterol, campesterol, cholest-4-ene-3-one and β-sitosterol] and flavonoids (2–3 folds) during blanching compared to other techniques. The iron and zinc content increased significantly in blanched and boiled products of R. differens. Thus, losses of nutrients, total flavonoid content and sterols during processing of R. differens for food can be mitigated by employing blanching technique, which is cheaper and least time-consuming. The implications of these dietary and therapeutic compounds on human nutrition and health are discussed.

STUDY OF BIODIVERSITY OF ORTHOPTERA FROM PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The present study was carried out from January 2018 to December 2020 to investigate the biodiversity, richness and evenness of Orthoptera from Punjab, Pakistan. The Punjab province has agriculture, sandy and rocky areas. The total 22 species of Orthoptera were recorded, 10 species belonged to suborder Ensifera and 12 species belonged to suborder Caelifera. Among them, 11 species belonged to family Acrididae, 10 to family Tettigoniidae and 1 to family Pyrgomorphidae. The highest species abundance and species richness recorded for family Acrididae and the lowest recorded for family Pyrgomorphidae. The more biodiversity was recorded from agricultural areas as compared to rocky and sandy areas. The biodiversity indices of agricultural areas were 0.7665, 2.2196 and sandy areas were 0.4707, 0.7650, while rocky areas were 0.3973, 0.6960, respectively. The species richness trend was 5.6724 for agricultural, 2.4013 for sandy and 1.8952 for rocky areas, respectively. The species evenness recorded were 0.5709, 0.4163, 0.6734 in agriculture, sandy and rocky areas, respectively.

Descriptive Morphology of Male and Female Genitalia of the Long-horned Grasshopper in the Tribe Aphractini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), with a Key to the Genera.

The male and female genital morphologies of the tribe Aphractini are presented in this study. Four species are included: Aphractus acuminatus, Paraphractus abbreviatus, Polycleptidella chilensis and Polycleptis scutellifera. A dichotomous key to the genera is provided. The lengths between the female spermathecal duct and titillatory articulated processes are similar within species but differ between them. Therefore, we propose that the function of these organs could be associated with the sperm removal strategy.

Food habits of two species of tube-nosed bats, Murina hilgendorfi and Murina ussuriensis, in Hayakawa, central Japan

Abstract Knowledge of food habits is essential for understanding the life history of a species; however, such information about the enigmatic Murina genus of bats is little known. In this study, we examined the food habits of Murina hilgendorfi and Murina ussuriensis over four years in Hayakawa, central Japan, using traditional morphological fecal analysis. Fragments of arthropods of six orders (five identified families), and of five orders (five identified families), were found in the feces of M. hilgendorfi and M. ussuriensis, respectively. Both species consumed wingless arthropods (caterpillars and spiders), insects that rarely fly (ground beetles and bush crickets), or diurnal insects (dragonflies and hoverflies; i.e., that are resting at night) during the night, which is a clear indication of gleaning behavior in these bats. In spring, the large-bodied M. hilgendorfi more frequently consumed hard-bodied insects such as beetles and bush crickets, whereas the small-bodied M. ussuriensis more frequently consumed soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, moths, spiders, and dipterans, suggesting that the body size difference influences their food habits, which may have contributed to food resource partitioning between these closely related bats. For M. hilgendorfi, beetles were the main prey in spring and autumn, while caterpillars and grasshoppers were more frequently consumed in spring and autumn, respectively, suggesting that they may have changed prey items according to seasonal fluctuations in food availability. To our knowledge, this study provides the first record of differences in the food habits of these two species.

Successful predatory‐avoidance behaviour to lion auditory cues during soft‐release from captivity in cheetah

AbstractDue to global biodiversity declines, conservation programmes have increasingly had to consider reintroducing captive animals into the wild. However, reintroductions often fail as captive individuals may be naïve to predators and do not recognise or respond appropriately to predatory cues, contributing to high mortality rates soon after release. This study evaluates differences in predator‐response behaviours between individuals from three experimental groups, a captive population (n = 13), a semi‐wild population (i.e. raised in captivity and successfully released; n = 6) and a wild population (n = 2) of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) to an artificially simulated auditory threat of lions (Panthera leo), a larger, natural predator in South Africa. Such comparisons improve our understanding of differences between captive and wild behaviours and provide an aspect to evaluating the relative success of reintroduction programmes. Changes in the proximal distance, the latency of approach and hesitation towards both control (African bush cricket, Acanthoplus discoidalis) and treatment (lion) auditory cues were observed for 29 cheetah from captive, semi‐wild and wild populations in at least three trial replicates each. Overall, captive individuals consistently displayed poor predatory‐response behaviours, approaching the treatment as often as the control, as well as spending more time near the stimulus (&lt;10 m) and hesitating more often than semi‐wild cheetah, which could distinguish between the control and treatment, consistently fleeing from the latter with little hesitation. Repeatability analyses indicated that these behavioural responses to predatory cues could not be explained by individual personality and between‐trial learning comparisons showed no evidence of habituation. Our findings demonstrate how a priori testing for predator naïvety could inform future introductory decisions and thereby increase post‐release survival rates, significantly improving the efficacy of reintroduction strategies. We, therefore, emphasise the importance of such research and screening in highly threatened species, such as cheetah, where reintroduction from captivity has become a necessary consideration.