Necroscia ovata Chen & He, 2008 is synonymised with Necroscia shukayi (Bi, Zhang & Lau, 2001) comb. nov. and here transferred from the genus Sipyloidea Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893. The egg is illustrated for the first time.

The Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forsk., 1775), in gregarious phase has long been known for its great polyphagia and broad variety of attacked crops, This polyphagia seems more limited in the solitary phase, Not doing damage in this phase, its feeding regimen is poorly known.

The present work treats qualitative and quantitative evaluation of food preferences of S. gregaria in the solitary state in various biotopes of the Algerian Sahara. The qualitative evaluation was done by comparing the diversity of plant species in the acridid's biotopes with the diversity of the plant species identified in feces of individuals captured on the ground. The quantitative evaluation was done by comparing the frequencies of the plant species observed in feces, with their abundances in the corresponding biotope. The frequency of a consumed plant species then could be estimated by the ratio of the number of imagos having consumed the plant species to the number of imagos present in the biotope. The disparity observed between the frequency of the consumed plant species and their abundances in the biotopes attests to a clear food preference expressed by solitary S. gregaria. The floristic composition of the biotopes influences the food mode by limiting possibilities of choice for the acridid. The feeding regimen differs little according to the sex of the individuals in the same biotope. It appears that the feeding regimen of the Desert Locust depends simultaneously on the composition of the flora and the choices by which it operates in the search for food. The plants appreciated by the Desert Locust are generally those which allow it the best development and the best reproduction.

A global imperative for the conservation of biodiversity brings into focus the need for taxonomic research. However, this biodiversity crisis is reflected in a parallel taxonomic crisis. Whereas molecular information is increasingly the evidential basis for delimiting species, revisionary taxonomy is frequently dismissed as merely ‘descriptive’ and lacking a hypothesis-driven nature. Phylogenetic classifications are optimal for storing and predicting information, but phylogeny divorced from taxonomy is unrealizable. Taxonomy, systematics, and phylogeny are interwoven, hypothesis-driven sciences with a shared theoretical base. Taxonomic knowledge remains essential to biological research and knowledge acquisition is made urgent by the biodiversity crisis. Taxonomy needs to prepare to take advantage of new information technology capabilities. Rapid advances in bioinformatics have provided unprecedented opportunities to conduct taxonomic research more efficiently; cybertaxonomy is emerging as an exciting new branch. Here we argue the great potential for using the Orthoptera Species File online ( http://orthoptera.speciesfile.org/) as a tool for monograph and revisionary studies of Orthoptera and we also draw attention to a method of integrating many cybertaxonomic tools with species descriptions: this to engage both the specialist taxonomic community and a wider public in the gathering and deepening understanding of taxonomic knowledge.

A new genus and species of cricket, Anomaloterga mantiqueirae, here described, is the first representative of Strogulomorphini to be reported from Brazil. The specimens were collected at night from the lower portions of live tree trunks in a summit forest located on the Mantiqueira Fault Escarpment, State of São Paulo.

A new genus and species of cricket belonging to the Hapithinae: Neomorphini (Podoscirtidae) is described from the forests of the Iguaçu National Park, State of Parana, Brazil. The new genus is thoroughly compared with Neomorpha Desutter, 1987, the only other member of the Neomorphini described so far.

Two new species of the flightless genus Parepistaurus, occurring on high mountains of northern Tanzania, are described in this paper. P. hanangensis n. sp. is an inhabitant of the montane zone of Mt Hanang, a solitary volcano of northwestern Tanzania. P. uguenoensis n. sp, occurs in the North Pare Mts, a mountain range of the northern branch of the Eastern Arc chain. Both species have their closest relatives in species of adjacent situated mountain areas, as seen in their morphology and molecular phylogeny. Phylogenetic reconstructions were performed for three genes [16S rRNA gene, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and the histone gene H3], using different assumptions on sequence evolution. The closest relative of P. uguenoensis is P. deses from Mt Kilimanjaro, a geologically young volcano. The closest morphological and molecular relative of P. hanangensis is P. manyara, distributed along mountainous ranges of the rift-valley escarpment. The molecular relationship of the investigated taxa suggests that the subspecies of P. deses should receive species status.

Taxonomy is investigated and revised for some prophalangopsid insects, yielded by the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan and Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Yixian formations in China. Flexaboilus retinervius Li, Ren & Meng, 2007 and Furcaboilus excelsus Li, Ren & Meng, 2007 are considered as synonyms of Allaboilus gigantus Ren & Meng, 2006. Protaboilus lini Ren & Meng, 2006 is considered a synonym of Aboilus stratosus Li, Ren & Wang, 2007. Hebeihagla Hong, 1982b, Habrohagla Ren, Lu, Guo & Ji, 1995, Grammohagla Meng & Ren, 2006, Trachohagla Meng, Ren & Li, 2006 are considered as synonyms of Parahagla Sharov, 1968; Athehagla Meng & Ren, 2006 is considered a synonym of Ashanga Zherichin 1985. Genera Allaboilus, Circulaboilus Li, Ren & Wang, 2007 and Ashangopsis Lin, Huang & Nel, 2008 are revised. In addition, one new genus Scalpellaboilus gen. nov. and four new species: Scalpellaboilus angustus sp. nov., Circulaboilus priscus sp. nov., Allaboilus robustus sp. nov. and A. hani sp. nov. are described. Some wing venation variability in Prophalangopsidae is briefly discussed.

For the past 250 y, tremendous advances have been made in the field of grasshopper systematics. There have been several breakthroughs that have pushed the field forward, and behind these breakthroughs were numerous visionary taxonomists. This article is a celebration of those taxonomists and their achievements. In this review, I provide a general overview of the field and describe major advances that have shaped our understanding of grasshopper systematics. Specifically, I review the pattern of species description in Acridomorpha (Orthoptera: Caelifera) since Linnaeus, and highlight the achievements of important taxonomists. Finally, I end with some of the problems that we grasshopper taxonomists are facing today and challenge the field as a whole to move forward.

Non-pollinating florivores (animals feeding on floral resources) represent severe antagonists that have negative impacts on the plants' reproduction. Plants would thus benefit by excluding them from their flowers. In this study, we tested whether floral scent compounds that are attractive to many pollinators, also have the potential to prevent facultatively flower-feeding herbivores from consuming flowers. For feeding trials, we chose the bush cricket Metrioptera bicolor, a species that mainly consumes grasses, but also feeds occasionally on flowers. Linalool and β-caryophyllene (mono-and sesquiterpenoid, respectively) turned out to be effective antifeedants, while other floral scent compounds had no effect. Furthermore, bush crickets completely rejected flowers of Convolvulus arvensis (Convolvulaceae) and Melilotus alba (Fabaceae), while preferring flowers of Echium vulgare (Boraginaceae) over leaves. In addition to feeding experiments, excrement of bush crickets and other orthopterans were searched for pollen. Most individual bush crickets had pollen in their faeces, largely from Poaceae and Gymnosperms, suggesting accidental ingestion of wind-dispersed pollen, rather than targeted consumption of floral pollen. Our results support the hypothesis of a dual role of floral scents in attraction and defence.

Rangeland grasshoppers have long been considered pests of serious economic importance and are key components of grassland food webs. Sampling protocols inform decisions to control grasshoppers. Preliminary observations while sampling rangeland grasshoppers indicated differences in species diversity and numbers captured, depending upon time of day. To test these differences, we used USDA-APHIS sweep-net sampling protocols at various times at four rangeland sites during 2006–2007 and compared mean numbers collected. Sweep sampling every hour from 06: 00 to 12:00 revealed that adult and nymphal grasshopper numbers were significantly higher at 06:00 than either 07:00 or 08:00. Captures were similar throughout the afternoon. These patterns were also observed for adults of the most common species, Melanoplus femurrubrum (DeGeer). The results of this study have important implications for rangeland pest management decisions and ecological studies that estimate insect biomass as an indicator of food availability. Our results indicate that standardized sampling of grasshoppers in mixed-grass prairie rangeland should be conducted between 10:00 and 16:00.

The hearing system of the katydid genus Neoconocephalus functions in two contexts: intraspecific communication and predator (bat) avoidance. Male calls and bat echolocation signals differ spectrally and temporally. In order to respond appropriately, katydids must recognize and discriminate between signal types. We categorized bat avoidance behaviors and examined temporal recognition of bat cries behaviorally during tethered flight in Neoconocephalus retusus and Neoconocephalus ensiger.

We used simulated bat approaches to categorize bat avoidance behaviors in Neoconocephalus. Four distinct behaviors were observed: steering, wingbeat interruption, dives and leg kicks. The first three behaviors were amplitude dependent and could be elicited by a single pulse of ultrasound. The final behavior only occurred during the terminal phase and was found to be pulse-rate dependent.

Response probabilities of specific behaviors varied between species, A comparison of the two Neoconocephalus species showed that steering and leg kicks were performed consistently in both species. However, wingbeat interruptions and dives occurred more often in N. retusus than in N. ensiger.

We also tested how temporal properties of model bat cries are used to recognize a signal as aversive. Single-pulse experiments showed that katydids respond best to pulses with relatively short rise times and a minimum duration. Very long pulse durations did not negatively affect responsiveness if rise times were short enough. No differences were found in temporal recognition between the two species.

Ten species of the genus Anterastes Brunner von Wattenwyl (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) show insular distribution in mountain meadows of Anatolia and the Balkans. Current understanding of the taxonomy and species relationships within the genus is based on morphological characters. However, the extent to which morphological characters are phylogenetically informative, when used to define taxonomic groups or to elucidate detailed evolutionary relationships within Anterastes, is in need of further examination. Moreover, because little is known about the historical biogeography and diversification factors in members of this genus, additional datasets are necessary to test the robustness of species, relationship hypotheses and associated biogeographic patterns, Here we specifically examined, using 16S rDNA sequences, the evolutionary relationships and species boundaries of three closely related species of Anterastes (i.e., the A. serbicus group, comprising A. serbicus, A. burri and A. antitauricus). Additionally A. tolunayi, a species not in the A. serbicus group, but morphologically very similar to members of the group, was included in the molecular analysis to locate the species of the A. serbicus complex within a phylogenetic frame. Hence, the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic interpretation of the species complex appear more intricate than previously hypothesized, The current molecular data do not allow us to identify A. serbicus, A. burri and A. antitauricus as distinct phylogenetic species, but rather suggest that these morphospecies are themselves a complex of cryptic taxa. Despite the incongruencies among the phylogenetic trees and nonmonophyly of each the three morphospecies, the median joining network resulted in haplotype grouping consisting of four clusters that are definable by geography. Thus, based on the congruency between geography and gene clusters, and the molecular clock estimate, it can be interpreted that 1) a strong correlation between the radiation of the group and the topography of their ranges may exist, 2) the radiation of the group dates back to Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene and 3) there is a break between the Anatolian and the European lineages, in respect to range change of cold-preferring forms, dating back prior to the last four glacial periods.

A taxonomic survey of the anareolate neotropical tribe Cladomorphini Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893 (subfamily Cladomorphinae) is provided, along with a redescription and keys to the seven genera now contained. Two genera previously only known from the females, are redescribed and revised at the species level.

The monotypical Aplopocranidium Zompro, 2004 (Type-species: Bacteria waehneri Günther, 1940) was misplaced in Cranidiini Günther, 1953 and is here transferred to the tribe Cladomorphini Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1893. It is closely related to Jeremia Redtenbacher, 1908 and Jeremiodes Hennemann & Conle, 2007, but differs from both by the prominent spines of the thorax. The previously unknown male is described and illustrated for the first time and a new extended generic description provided.

The genus Jeremia Redtenbacher, 1908 (Type-species: Jeremia grossedentata Redtenbacher, 1908) is redescribed and a key provided to distinguish the two species contained (J. grossedentata Redtenbacher, 1908 and J. gymnota Günther, 1930). The previously unknown male and eggs are described and illustrated for the first time. Jeremia is closely related to Jeremiodes and Aplopocranidium, but differs by the distinct ventral teeth of the middle and hind legs.

Penetration of the cuticle of Locusta migratoria by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae was investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that conidia of M. anisopliae attached mostly to the sockets of the setae and to the intersegmental membranes. Fourth instar nymphs of locusts treated with the fungus were maintained at 28°C. At this temperature, the fungal conidia germinated and produced appressoria on the cuticle of the locust within 1 day postinoculation. The penetrant structure entered directly through the epicuticle and exocuticle, with no lateral development. A fusiform penetrant structure then extended laterally between the layers of the endocuticle, with the spaces between the layers being enlarged due to lysis of the layers close to the penetrant. The penetrant structures exhibited various forms; most were fusiform, with many lysosomes and mitochondria, but no vacuoles. The penetrant hyphae ultimately invaded and colonized the haemocoele.

In this study we reconstructed the molecular phylogeny and attempted to infer historical biogeography of a sample of cricket species, most of them cave-dwelling, belonging to the subfamily Macropathinae (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) which shows a clear Gondwanan distribution. We sequenced fragments of 4 genes (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA), for a total of 1993 bp.

We present here preliminary data based on a total of 17 species, 11 belonging to Macropathinae and representative of the main regions of Gondawanaland, 7 to Aemodogryllinae and Rhaphidophorinae from India, Bhutan, China, Philippines and the Sulawesi Islands.

The use of relaxed molecular clocks by means of Bayesian analysis allowed us to estimate the timing of the main cladogenetic events, using calibration of a molecular clock; the clock is based on the plate disjunction of Africa from South America, Australia from Zealandia (New Zealand), or Australia from Antarctica. The latter was considered at two different datings on the basis of two alternative palaeogeographic hypotheses. Node dating using separation of Africa or a model of earlier separation of Australia from Antarctica, suggests that the main cladogenetic events in the Macropathinae phylogeny could be explained by vicariance hypotheses, related to the Gondwana fragmentation. However, two other equally valid calibrations suggest that lineage formation is not consistent with vicariant processes and requires either some long-distance dispersal, or an inconceivable age of origin of this family of insects, enabling the prior existence of all lineages in Gondwanaland with subsequent regional extinction.

Wide use of chemical pesticides to control locust invasions is a central concern and alternatives a growing necessity, But it is not so easy to find alternatives to these chemicals and to integrate them into operational campaigns. The following paper introduced a symposium on ‘Integrated pest management for locusts and grasshoppers’ held at the 10th Orthopterists' Society meeting in Antalya, Turkey in 2009.

In Australia, locusts are controlled using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system that aims to find and rapidly treat most gregarious locust populations. Many outbreaks have significant breeding in the arid interior of Australia during summer and treatments begin in the interior, to keep locust invasions of the agricultural zone to manageable levels. This preventive control program relies on IPM: moderately accurate forecasting and rapid response survey, followed by treatments of bands and swarms with a range of proven readily available products. IPM begins with a Decision Support System that uses data on weather and previous locust distributions to model locust development and possible migrations, so as to provide moderately accurate forecasts as to when and where locusts are likely to be present. When locusts are reported or forecast as likely to be in a region, surveys are conducted to locate any infestations and if bands or swarms are found, they are rapidly treated using a variety of techniques. Bands are commonly visible from an aircraft flying overhead and when bands are seen, the areas containing bands are normally treated using “barrier” treatments of fipronil, where synthetic insecticide is applied every few hundred meters. Swarms are located by helicopter and sprayed, using fast-acting organophosphorous compounds like fenitrothion. But an increasingly important part of IPM in Australia is having an environmentally friendly option. Locusts can then be treated even if they are found where synthetic insecticides cannot be used such as near waterways, where there are rare and endangered species, or on organically managed properties. It was the switch to produce organic beef for Japan by a number of properties in locust breeding areas in the interior that was an initial driver for the development of an alternative to synthetic pesticides for locust control in Australia. The result of an intensive research and development program was the mycopesticide Green Guard, which has as its active ingredient the FI-985 isolate of the fungus Metarhizium anisoplae var.acridum. Green Guard has played an important part in the IPM of locusts and grasshoppers in Australia, including large-scale control operations, with more than 100,000 ha treated since operational use began in 2000.

However, while Green Guard plays an important part in the IPM of locusts and grasshoppers, it still accounts for only about 10% of the area treated. Green Guard costs more than synthetic insecticides and locust and grasshopper mortality is delayed when temperatures are mild. An additional factor limiting its use is a lack of biological control products for most other pests, so that synthetic insecticides are still used in most cropping systems, resulting in residues being present in most products and in most environments. As restrictions on synthetic pesticides generally increase and biological alternatives become more available, it is expected that Green Guard use should expand to become an increasingly important component of locust and grasshopper IPM.

A study at Khelcom, Central Senegal, from September 2008 till June 2009 tested two different dose rates (25 and 50 g conidia/ha) of the mycoinsecticide Green Muscle® (Metarhizium acridum) and an untreated control, against grasshoppers in a field trial on nine 400-ha plots in three blocks. The study area was a deforested sylvo-pastoral reserve, 12.5% cultivated, whereas the remainder was fallow or grassland in succession. Grasshopper densities were calculated by executing transect and quadrat counts on plots. The grasshopper community structure was assessed by systematic sweep-net sampling on plots. From these data grasshopper biomass on plots was calculated for each sampling date. Bird numbers were counted on the same transects by the Distance Sampling technique and their densities calculated from Effective Strip Widths (ESW). Energetic requirements of individual bird species were calculated from digestibility-corrected Field Metabolic Rates (FMRs) and for acridivorous species their daily intake of grasshoppers was calculated. Grasshopper densities were very high, with up to 90 ind./m² in September and 30–35 ind./m² in October. Numbers and biomass decreased on treated plots as grasshoppers became infected, and remained significantly different from control plots for three months (until January). The relative importance of grasshopper consumption by birds increased between October (high grasshopper densities) and December (medium densities) from an initial 0.06 (±0.03) %/day to a ceiling of 1.6 (±0.9)% per day. Total grasshopper removal during the dry season was 70 %, whereas during the rainy season this was < 1%. Birds specifically captured large and medium-bodied grasshoppers, but rarely small-bodied species, whose numbers initially increased. These findings were corroborated by field observations and by analysis of regurgitated pellet contents of Montagu's Harriers, i.e., small-bodied grasshoppers were only 1.4 – 2.6% of all grasshoppers taken, whereas they constituted 61 – 68% of random samples from the field. Densities of acridivorous Palaearctic migratory birds, in particular White Stork, Ciconia ciconia, Montagu's Harrier, Circus pygargus and Lesser Kestrel, Falco naumanni, were very high and unprecedented elsewhere. Their numbers largely exceeded the 1% criterion for international importance.