Bio Bulletin 3(1): 80-94(2017) (Published by Research Trend, Website: www.biobulletin.com) ISSN NO. (Print): 2454-7913 ISSN NO. (Online): 2454-7921

Significance of Male Supra-Anal Plate and Cerci in the Classification of Indian (: Acridoidea) Shahnila Usmani, Mohammad Amir, Mohd Kamil Usmani Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, (Uttar Pradesh), INDIA. (Corresponding author: Shahnila Usmani, [email protected]) (Published by Research Trend, Website: www.biobulletin.com) (Received 02 January 2017; Accepted 11 March 2017)

ABSTRACT: A comparative study of male supra-anal plate and cerci was carried out in ninty-eight species of representing fifty-seven genera belonging to the family Acrididae. Its taxonomic significance is described. Male supra-anal plate and cecrci are considered as external part of male genitalia of Acrididae. Taxonomic significance of internal genitalia such as epiphallus and aedeagus was already known for identification and classification in various families and subfamilies of Acridoidea. However the significance of male supra-anal plate and cerci has not been shown. The aim of this study was an attempt to discover their significance for the identification of genera and species. In the study, a comparative investigation of male supra-anal and cerci was undertaken in ninty-eight species of grasshoppers representing fifty-seven genera belonging to the family Acrididae. The study revealed that the shape and size of male supra-anal plate and cerci have significant value in separating various genera and species of Acrididae. Shape of male supra-anal plate and cerci is considered as generic character while the shape of apex of supra-anal plate and cerci is suggested to be a specific character of genera i.e. Oxya, Dibolocatantops, Xenocatantops, Anacridium, Heteracris, Eucoptacra, Schistocerca, Choroedocus, Acorypha, Truxalis, Acrida, Phlaeoba, Orthochtha, Aulacobothrus, Acrotylus, Chloebora, Ceracris, Aiolopus, Oedaleus, Heteropternis, Bryodema, Morphacris, Gastrimargus, Sphingonotus Orchilidia and Hieroglyphus. Keywords: Significance, Supra-anal plate, Cerci, Classification, Acrididae

INTRODUCTION with dense patch of hairs called brustia, possibly sensory (Jannone, 1939). Cerci also function as Supra-anal plate of male is eleventh tergite known sense organs, the supra-anal plate is usually as epiproct. It is triangular in its simplest form lying triangular and cercus is conical but differs greatly above the paraproct. Paraprocts are present under in shape and size. Dirsh (1965) gave brief the epiproct in half-concealed form. Paraprocts description of male supra-anal plate and cerci in represents the eleventh sternite. Cerci are tubular African genera of Acridoidea. Uvarov (1966) or plate-like appendages arising from the illustrated supra-anal plate and cerci in some membrane between the joints of epiproct and species of Acridoidea. Usmani and Ajaili (1994) paraproct. Cerci are sensory in nature. Supra-anal have shown taxonomic significance of male supra- plate and cerci together are used to hold the anal plate in some species of Libyan female abdomen during the course of copulation. grasshoppers. Usmani & Khan (2012) have A cercus consists of two sclerotised components; evaluated taxonomic significance of supra anal the main body and a small lobe which is usually plate in fifteen Indian species representing fifteen concealed under the supra-anal plate provided genera of Acridoidea. Kumar et al. (2014) made a

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 80 comparative study of male supra anal plate and 5. Acrida gigantea (Herbst, 1786) (Fig. 1 E) cerci in twelve species representing six genera Supra-anal plate wide, flattened, as long as wide, under four tribes belonging to the family lateral margins slightly incurved medially, apex Pyrgomorphidae. obtusely conical; cercus short, shorter than supra- Keeping in view the taxonomic importance of male anal plate, slightly less than three times as long as supra-anal plate and cerci, the present study is an wide, longer than wide, apex obtusely rounded. attempt to compare these structures in ninety- 6. Neophlaeoba walayarensis Usmani & eight species representing fifty-one genera of the Shafee, 1983 (Fig. 1 F) family Acrididae. The characters i.e., shape of Supra anal plate broadly triangular, slightly wider supra-anal plate, cerci and their apices are than long, apex broadly rounded, cercus broad at considered as generic and specific characters base, gradually narrowing apically and respectively. downcurved, two and a half times as long as wide, with obtuse apex. MATERIALS AND METHODS 7. Phlaoeba infumata Brunner von Wattenwyl, For the study of male supra-anal plate and cerci, 1893 (Fig. 1 G) the apical part of male body was cut off and boiled Supra anal plate broadly triangular, curved in 10% KOH solution till the material became apically, slightly longer than wide, apex rounded; transparent. Thus, washed thoroughly in water for cercus broad at base, narrowing apically, two and complete removal of KOH. It was then dissected a half times as long as wide, apex obtusely with the help of fine needles under stereoscopic rounded. microscope in order to take out the supra-anal 8. Phlaeoba panteli Bolivar, 1902 (Fig. 1 H) plate and cerci. The normal process of Supra-anal plate triangular, longer than wide, apex dehydration was followed and cleaning was done rounded; cercus broad at base, narrowing apically, in clove oil. The supra-anal plate and cerci were shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a half mounted in Canada balsam on a cavity slide. times as long as wide, apex rounded. Drawings were done with the help of Camera 9. Phlaeoba tenebrosa (Walker, 1871) (Fig.1 I) lucida. Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, longer than wide, apex broadly rounded; cercus conical, OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS narrowing apically, shorter than supra-anal plate, Subfamily Acridinae two times as long as wide, apex obtuse. 1. Truxalis exemia Eichwald, 1830 (Fig. 1 A) 10. Phlaeoba angustidorsis Bolivar, 1902 (Fig. Supra anal plate elongate-angular, slightly longer 1 J) than wide, apex triangularly rounded, cercus Supra-anal plate elongate narrow, two times as narrow, compressed, two and a half times as long long as wide, apex rounded, cercus elongate, as wide, with obtuse apex. narrowing apically, shorter than supra-anal plate, 2. Truxalis nasuta (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 1 B) two and a half times as long as wide, apex Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, almost as long rounded. as wide, sculptured at lateral margins, apex 11. Phlaeoba antennata antennata Brunner, obtusely conical, cercus narrow, compressed, 1893 (Fig. 1 K) three and a half times as long as wide, with Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, as long as rounded apex. wide, lateral margins slightly curved, apex broadly 3. Acrida exaltata (Walker, 1859) (Fig. 1 C) rounded; cercus conical, narrowing apically, Supra anal plate broadly-angular, slightly longer shorter than supra-anal plate, slightly less than than wide, lateral margins incurved medially, apex two times as long as wide, apex obtuse. obtusely conical; cercus uniformly broad, less than 12. Orthochtha indica Uvarov, 1942 (Fig. 1 L) three times as long as wide, apex broadly Supra anal plate broadly triangular, slightly longer rounded. than wide, apex broadly rounded; cercus broad, 4. Acrida turrita (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 1 D) narrowing apically, two and a half times as long as Supra-anal plate wide, flattened, wider than long, wide, apex obtuse. sculptured laterally, lateral margins slightly 13. Orthochtha ramchandrae Popov, 1981 (Fig. incurved apically, apex obtusely-flattened; cercus 1 M) long, of uniform width, shorter than supra-anal Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, as long as plate, three times as long as wide, apex obtusely- wide, lateral margin curved apically, apex obtusely conical. conical; cercus narrow-conical, shorter than supra-

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 81 anal plate, slightly more than two times as long as slightly incurved with obtuse apex. wide, slightly incurved with obtuse apex. 15. Odontomelus manipurensis Meinodas & 14. Orthochtha schmidti Popov & Fishpool, Shafee, 1990 (Fig. 1 O) 1992 (Fig.1 N) Supra-anal plate broadly angular, curved apically, Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, lateral margins as long as wide, apex broadly rounded; cercus curved apically, longer than wide, apex obtusely broad basally, narrowing apically, shorter than rounded; cercus narrow-conical, shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a half times as long as supra-anal plate, two times as long as wide, wide, apex obtusely rounded.

Fig. 1. A-O Supra Anal Plate (Male); A. Truxalis exemia, B. Truxalis nasuta, C. Acrida exaltata, D. Acrida turrita, E. Acrida gigantea, F. Neophlaeoba walayarensis, G. Phlaoeba infumata, H. Phlaeoba panteli, I. Phlaoeba tenebrosa, J. Phlaeoba angustidorsis K. Phlaeoba antennata antennata, L. Orthochtha indica, M. Orthochtha ramchandrae, N. Orthochtha schmidti, O. Odontomelus manipurensis.

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 82 Subfamily Gomphocerinae 23. Crucinotacris decisa (Walker, 1817) (Fig. 2 16. Chorthippus indus (Uvarov, 1942) (Fig. 2 A) H) Supra-anal plate elongate-angular; curved Supra anal plate short, slightly wider than long, apically, slightly longer than wide, apex rounded; lateral margins curved medially and apically, apex cercus elongate, narrow-conical, shorter than obtusely rounded; Cercus slightly broad at base, supra-anal plate, almost three times as long as narrow apically, shorter than supra-anal plate, wide, with obtuse apex. slightly more than twice as long as wide, apex 17. Dhimbana dawsoni Henry, 1940 (Fig. 2 B) obtusely rounded. Supra-anal plate elongate angular, wider than 24. Leva indica (Boliver, 1902) (Fig. 2 I) long, apex obtusely rounded; cercus narrow Supra anal plate broad, short, slightly wider than conical, much shorter than supra-anal plate, one long, lateral margins curved medially and apically, and a half times as long as wide, apex subacute apex acutely rounded; Cercus uniformly broad, and slightly incurved. shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a half times 18. Aulacobhothrus strictus Bolívar, 1902 (Fig. as long as wide, apex rounded. 2 C) 25. Leva soluta Bolivar, 1914 (Fig. 2 J) Supra anal plate angular, short, wider than long, Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular lateral margins curved apically, apex broadly projection apically, lateral margins curved apically, rounded; Cercus slightly broad at base, narrow longer than wide, apex obtusely conical; Cercus apically, shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a conical, shorter than supra-anal plate, more than half times as long as wide, apex rounded, acutely two times as long as wide, apex obtuse. conical. 26. Stenohippus mundus (Walker, 1871) (Fig. 2 19. Aulacobothrus taeniatus Bolivar, 1902 (Fig. K) 2 D) Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular projection apically, lateral margins curved apically, projection apically, lateral margins curved medially slightly wider than long, apex obtusely conical; and apically, wider than long, apex obtusely Cercus conical, shorter than supra-anal plate, two conical; Cercus conical, shorter than supra-anal times as long as wide, apex obtuse. plate, slightly less than three times as long as 27. Orchrilidia geniculata (Bolivar, 1913) (Fig. 2 wide, apex obtuse. L) 20. Aulacobhothrus socius Bolívar, 1902 (Fig. Supra-anal plate elongate angular, as long as 2 E) wide, sculptures laterally, apex rounded; Cercus Supra anal plate angular, short, as long as wide, elongate, narrow-conical, narrowing apically, as lateral margins curved apically, apex obtusely long as supra-anal plate, four times as long as rounded; Cercus slightly broad at base, narrow wide, with obtuse apex. apically, shorter than supra-anal plate, slightly 28. Ochrilidia gracilis (Krauss, 1902) (Fig. 2 M) more than two times as long as wide, apex Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, slightly longer rounded, acutely conical. than wide, sculptured laterally, apex acutely 21. Aulacobhothrus luteipes luteipes (Walker, pointed; Cercus narrow-conical, elongate, slightly 1871) (Fig. 2 F) shorter than supra-anal plate, three and a half Supra anal plate angular, as long as wide, lateral times as long as wide, with subacute apex. margins slightly curved apically, apex acutely 29. Dociostaurus (Dociostaurus) apicalis rounded; Cercus elongate, uniformly broad at (Walker, 1871) (Fig. 2 N) base, narrow apically, shorter than supra-anal Supra-anal plate slightly longer than wide, lateral plate, two and a half times as long as wide, apex margin diverging posteriorly, apex broadly rounded, acutely conical. rounded. Cercus straight, uniformaly broad, 22. Aulacobothrus luteipes infernus Bolivar, shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a half times 1902 (Fig. 2 G) as long as wide, apex acutely rounded. Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular 30. Leionotacris bolivari (Uvarov, 1921) (Fig. 2 projection apically, lateral margins curved apically, O) as long as wide, apex obtusely conical; Cercus Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular conical, slightly shorter than supra-anal plate, projection apically, as long as wide, apex obtusely three times as long as wide, apex obtuse. rounded; cercus conical, shorter than supra-anal plate, slightly more than twice as long as wide, apex obtuse.

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 83 Fig. 2. A-O Supra Anal Plate (Male); A. Chorthippus indus, B. Dhimbana dawsoni, C. Aulacobhothrus strictus, D. Aulacobothrus taeniatus, E. Aulacobhothrus socius, F. Aulacobhothrus luteipes luteipes, G. Aulacobothrus luteipes infernus, H. Crucinotacris decisa, I. Leva indica, J. Leva soluta, K. Stenohippus mundus, L. Orchrilidia geniculata, M. Ochrilidia gracilis, N. Dociostaurus (Dociostaurus) apicalis, O. Leionotacris bolivari.

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 84 Subfamily Oxyinae Supra-anal plate broad, slightly broader than long, 31. Oxya fuscovittata (Marschall, 1836) (Fig. 3 lateral margins strongly diverging apically, apex A) rounded; Cercus elongate, narrowing apically, Supra-anal plate triangular, wider than long, three times as long as wide, apex acutely trapezoid, lateral tubercles prominent, posterior rounded. lobe slightly less developed, apex bluntly rounded; 39. Lemba motinagar Ingrisch et al., 2004 (Fig. Cercus broad, longer than supra-anal plate, 3 I) strongly compressed, slightly more than two times Supra-anal plate broad, as long as wide, lateral as long as wide, apex bifid. margins slightly diverging apically, apex rounded; 32. Oxya japonica japonica (Thunberg, 1815) Cercus broad basally and gradually narrowing (PL.3 Fig. B) apically, twice as long as wide, apex conical. Supra-anal plate rounded triangular, with very well Subfamily Hemacridinae developed basal folds, wider than long, sculptured 40. Hieroglyphus banian (Fabricius, 1789) (Fig. laterally, apex acutely rounded; Cercus conical, 3 J) slightly shorter than supra-anal plate, slightly Supra-anal plate longer than wide, apex acute- more than two times as long than wide, apex angular; Cercus elongate, uniformly broad, as long subacute or truncated. as supra-anal plate, slightly more than four times 33. Oxya hyla hyla Serville, 1831 (Fig. 3 C) as long as wide, apex bifurcate. Supra-anal plate trapezoid, as long as wide, with 41. Heiroglyphus nigrorepletus Bolívar, 1912 triangular apical projection, at base of this (Fig. 3 K) projection, on dorsal surface, on either side there Supra-anal plate longer than wide, apex obtuse- is a small tubercle; Cercus conical or compressed angular; Cercus elongate, broad basally, laterally, slightly shorter than supra-anal plate, narrwoing apically, longer than supra-anal plate, three times as long as wide, with subacute or curved inward, slightly more than three times as truncated apex. long as wide, apex truncate. 34. Oxya chinensis (Thunberg, 1815) (Fig. 3 D) 42. Heiroglyphus oryzivorus Carl, 1916 (Fig. 3 Supra-anal plate broad, wider than long, lateral L) margins diverging apically, apex rounded; cercus Supra-anal plate slightly longer than wide, apex long and slender, slightly narrowing apically, acute-angular or trilobate, cercus of the medium shorter than the supra-anal plate, two and a half size, shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a half times as long as wide, apex rounded. times or four times longer than wide, apex 35. Oxya nitidula (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 3 E) appendiculate. Supra-anal plate broad, rectangular, as long as 43. Hieroglyphus perpolita (Uvarov, 1933) (Fig. wide, lateral margins diverging apically, apex 3 M) rounded; Cercus long and slender, slightly Supra-anal plate angular, broad at base, wider narrowing apically, slightly longer than the supra- than long, apex obtuse, cercus simple, thick, anal plate, two and a half times as long as wide, slightly longer than supra-anal plate, almost three apex pointed. times as long as wide, longer than supra-anal 36. Oxya velox (Fabricius, 1787) (Fig. 3 F) plate, slightly down-curved, with subacute apex. Supra-anal plate with rounded triangular posterior projection, wider than long; apex obtusely Subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae rounded; Cercus conical, shorter than supra-anal 44. Anacridium flavescens (Fabricius, 1793) plate, three times as long as wide with subacute (Fig. 3 N) apex. Supra-anal plate broad, slightly trilobate, with 37. Gesonula punctifrons (Stål, 1861) (Fig. 3 G) annulate apex, sculptured marginally, lateral Supra-anal plate triangular, oval, the groove of margins curved medially; cercus elongate, broad which tubular in shape, almost as long as wide, at base, narrow and strongly curved apically, large anterior process diverged, tip more or less about four and a half times as long as wide, rounded. Posterior process with notch like incurved with obtuse apex. structure, below of which bilobed structure 45. Anacridium aegyptium (Linnaeus, 1764) present. The upper lobe connected with (Fig. 3 O) membrane; Cerci simple, spine like and incurved, Supra-anal plate broad, slightly trilobate, with shorter than supra-anal plate, three times as long annulate apex, sculptured marginally, lateral as wide. margins curved medially; cercus elongate narrow, 38. Pseudoxya diminuta (Walker, 1871) (Fig. 3 about one and a half times as long as wide, H) incurved with obtuse apex. Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 85 46. Cyrtacanthacris tatarica (Linnaeus, 1758) 47. Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) (Fig. (Fig. 3 P) 3 Q) Supra-anal plate slightly trilobate with angular Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, longer than apical lobes, longer than wide, apex obtusely wide, apex attenuate; cercus conical; cercus conical, compressed, shorter than strongly compressed, shorter than supra-anal supra-anal plate, more than two times as long as plate, more than three times as long as wide, apex wide, apex acute and slightly down curved. almost truncate and slightly incurved.

Fig. 3. A-Q Supra Anal Plate (Male); A. Oxya fuscovittata, B. Oxya japonica japonica, C. Oxya hyla hyla, D. Oxya chinensis, E. Oxya nitidula, F. Oxya velox, G. Gesonula punctifrons, H. Pseudoxya diminuta, I. Lemba motinagar, J. Hieroglyphus banian, K. Heiroglyphus nigrorepletus, L. Heiroglyphus oryzivorus, M. Hieroglyphus perpolita, N. Anacridium flavescens, O. Anacridium aegyptium, P. Cyrtacanthacris tartaric, Q. Schistocerca gregaria. Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 86 anal plate, three times as long as wide, apex acute Subfamily and down curved. 48. Acorypha glaucopsis (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 4 55. Apalniacris shillong Ingrisch, Willemse & A) Shishodia, 2004 (Fig. 4 H) Supra-anal plate elongate, acutely angular, longer Supra-anal plate almost rectangular, slightly wider than wide, apex slightly attenuate; cercus robust, than long, apex short and pointed; Cerci modified, incurved, much longer than supra-anal plate, four elongate, of uniform width, as long as supra-anal and a half times as long as wide, apex bilobate. plate, two and half times as long as wide, apex 49. Acorypha insignis (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 4 B) slightly truncated. Supra-anal plate short, acutely angular, as long as 56. Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby, 1910) (Fig. 4 wide, apex slightly attenuate; cercus robust, I) incurved, much longer than supra-anal plate, of Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins uniform width, four times as long as wide, apex curved apically, longer than wide, apex obtusely bilobate. conical; cercus broad at base, narrowing apically, Subfamily Spathosterninae strongly curved, slightly longer than supra-anal 50. Spathosternum prasiniferum (Walker, 1871) plate, three and a half times as long as wide, apex (Fig. 4 C) conical. Supra-anal plate broadly triangular, as long as 57. Xenocatantops brachycerus (Willemse, wide, curved apically, apex obtusely conical; Cerci 1932) (Fig. 4 J) uniformly broad, of medium size, shorter than Supra-anal plate longer than wide, apex obtuse- supra-anal plate, three times as long as wide, angular or trilobate, cercus of the medium size, apex narrowing apically with acutely conical apex. slightly shorter than supra-anal plate, more than three times longer than wide, apex appendiculate. Subfamily 58. Xenocatantops humilis (Serville, 1838) (Fig. (Fig. 51. Pachyacris violascens (Walker, 1870) 4 K) 4 D) Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins Supra-anal plate as long as wide, apex rounded or curved medially, longer than wide, apex obtusely trilobate, cercus of the medium size, slightly longer conical; cercus conical, longer than supra-anal than supra-anal plate, broad at base, narrowing plate, more than five times as long as wide, apex apically, more than three times times as long as obtuse. wide, apex pointed or acute. 59. Stenocatantops splendens (Thunberg, 52. innotabilis (Walker, 1870) 1815) (Fig. 4 L) (Fig. 4 E) Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins curved medially and apically, longer than wide, curved apically, longer than wide, apex obtusely apex obtusely conical; Cercus conical, weakly conical; cercus conical, shorter than supra-anal compressed laterally, shorter than supra-anal plate, more than four times as long as wide, apex plate, slightly less than four times as long as wide, bilaterally flattened, upcurved and weakly gradually narrowing towards the rounded apex, bifurcated with upper lobe rounded and lower lobe slightly in and upwards. obtuse. 60. Catantops erubescens (Walker, 1870) (Fig. (Fig. 53. (Stål, 1861) 4 M) 4 F) Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular curved medially, slightly longer than wide, apex projection apically, lateral margins curved obtusely conical; Cercus conical, shorter than medially, longer than wide, apex obtusely conical; supra-anal plate, slightly more than four times as cercus conical, shorter than supra-anal plate, long as wide, apex flattened, incurved and more than four times as long as wide, apex rounded. bilaterally flattened, upcurved and weakly 61. insularis Kirby, 1914 (Fig. 4 N) bifurcated with both lobe rounded. Supra-anal plate long and triangular, slightly (Fig. 4 54. Eupreponotus inflatus Uvarov, 1921 longer than wide, apex obtusely conical; Cercus G) broad at base, slightly curved outward apically, as Supra-anal plate elongate angular with triangular long as supra-anal plate, more than four times as projection apically, lateral margins curved apically, long as wide, apex acute. slightly longer than wide, apex obtusely conical; cercus conical, slightly incurved, as long as supra-

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 87 Fig. 4. A-Q Supra Anal Plate (Male); A. Acorypha glaucopsis, B. Acorypha insignis, C. Spathosternum prasiniferum, D. Pachyacris violascens, E. Diabolocatantops innotabilis, F. Diabolocatantops pinguis, G. Eupreponotus inflatus, H. Apalniacris shillong I. Xenocatantops karnyi, J. Xenocatantops brachycerus, K. Xenocatantops humilis, L. Stenocatantops splendens, M. Catantops erubescens, N. Navasia insularis, O. Oxyrrhepes obtusa, P. Choroedocus illustris, Q. Choroedocus robustus. Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 88 62. Oxyrrhepes obtusa (Haan, 1842) (Fig. 4 O) 69. Ceracris nigricornis Walker, 1870 (Fig. 5 E) Supra-anal plate long and triangular, lateral Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins margins curved medially, longer than wide, apex curved medially and apically, slightly longer than obtusely conical; Cercus conical and slightly wide, apex obtusely conical; Cercus conical, curved, shorter than supra-anal plate, more than shorter than supra-anal plate, slightly less than four times as long as wide, apex conical. three times as long as wide, apex obtuse. 63. Choroedocus illustris (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 4 70. Ceracris deflorata (Brunner, 1893) (Fig. 5 F) P) Supra-anal plate broadly angular, lateral margins Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins slightly curved medially, slightly longer than wide, curved apically, longer than wide, apex obtusely apex narrowly rounded; Cercus broad basally, conical; Cercus very large, flattened and narrowing apically, longer than supra-anal plate, compressed, slightly incurved, much longer than two times as long as wide, apex rounded. supra-anal plate, more than three times as long as 71. Heteropternis respondens (Walker, 1859) wide, apex obtusely rounded. (Fig. 5 G) 64. Choroedocus robustus (Serville, 1838) (Fig. Supra anal plate angular, wider than long, lateral 4 Q) margins slightly curved medially and apically, Supra-anal plate broadly angular, impressed, as Cercus broad at base, narrow-conical apically, long as wide, much shorter than cerci; Cercus very slightly shorter than supra-anal plate, three times large, elongate-narrow, flattened and compressed, as long as wide, with obtuse apex. strongly incurved, much longer than supra-anal 72. Dittopternis venusta (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 5 plate, three times as long as wide, apex pointed. H) Supra anal plate triangular, slightly wider than Subfamily Oedipodinae long, lateral margins curved medially and apically; 65. Oedipoda miniata miniata (Pallas, 1771) Cercus broad at base, narrowing apically, shorter (Fig. 5 A) than supra-anal plate, three times as long as wide, Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, as long as conical with obtuse apex. wide, lateral margins curved apically, apex obtuse- 73. Acrotylus humbertianus Saussure, 1884 angular; Cercus elongate-conical, incurved, (Fig. 5 I) slightly more than two times as long as wide, Supra anal plate angular, slightly wider than long, broad basally, tubular apically with obtusely- lateral margins curved medially and apically, rounded apex. Cercus straight, slightly curved in the middle, 66. Aiolopus simulatrix (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 5 slightly shorter than supra-anal plate, two and a B) half times as long as wide, apex obtusely rounded. Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, longer than 74. Acrotylus insubricus (Scopoli, 1786) (Fig. 5 wide, finely sculptured, lateral margins curved J) medially, apex elongately conical; Cercus Supra anal plate elongate-angular, slightly longer elongate-conical, almost the same length as than wide, apex obtuse, lateral margins curved supra-anal plate, slightly more than two times as medially; Cercus broad, slightly shorter than long as wide, with obtuse apex. supra-anal plate, slightly more than two times as 67. Aiolopus thalassinus thalassinus long as wide, apex obtusely conical. (Fabricius, 1781) (Fig. 5 C) 75. Gastrimargus africanus (Thunberg, 1815) Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, much longer (Fig. 5 K) than wide, sculptured in middle, lateral margins Supra anal plate elongate-angular, as long as slightly curved medially, apex obtusely rounded; wide, slightly curved medially and apically; Cercus Cercus narrow-conical, shorter than supra-anal elongate, shorter than supra-anal plate, three and plate, two and a half times as long as wide, with a half times as long as wide, uniformly narrow with obtuse apex. conical apex. 68. Aiolopus thalassinus tamulus (Fabricius, 76. Gastrimargus africanus sulphureus Bey- 1798) (Fig. 5 D) Bienko, 1951 (Fig. 5 L) Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, sculptured in Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins middle, lateral margins curved medially, diverging curved apically, slightly longer than wide, apex posteriorly, as long as wide, apex obtusely conical; obtusely conical; Cercus conical, slightly shorter Cercus narrow-conical, as long as supra-anal than supra-anal plate, two and a half times as long plate, two times as long as wide with obtuse apex. as wide, apex obtuse.

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 89 Fig. 5. A-Q Supra Anal Plate (Male); A. Oedipoda miniata miniata, B. Aiolopus simulatrix, C. Aiolopus thalassinus thalassinus, D. Aiolopus thalassinus tumulus, E. Ceracris nigricornis, F. Ceracris deflorata, G. Heteropternis respondens, H. Dittopternis venusta, I. Acrotylus humbertianus, J. Acrotylus insubricus, K. Gastrimargus africanus, L. Gastrimargus africanus sulphureus, M. Chloebora grossa, N. Chloebora marschalli, O. Chloebora crassa, P. Locusta migratoria, Q. Trilophidia annulata.

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 90 77. Chloebora grossa Saussure, 1884 (Fig. 5 narrowing apically, slightly incurved, two and a half M) times as long as wide, apex obtuse-conical (Fig. 6 Supra anal plate angular, wider than long, lateral C). margins curved medially and apically, apex 85. Sphingonotus savignyi Saussure, 1884 obtusely-rounded; Cercus broad at base, (Fig. 6 D) narrowing apically, shorter than supra-anal plate, Supra anal plate angular, slightly longer than wide, two times as long as wide, with obtuse apex. curved medially and apically, apex acutely 78. Chloebora marschalli (Henry, 1933) (Fig. 5 rounded; Cercus uniformly broad, shorter than N) supra-anal plate, three times as long as wide, Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins curved medially, with truncated apex. incurved medially, slightly wider than long, apex 86. Morphacris fasciata (Thunberg, 1815) (Fig. obtusely conical; Cercus narrow conical, slightly 6 E) shorter than supra-anal plate, two times as long as Supra-anal plate angular, as long as wide, curved wide, apex obtuse. medially and apically apex acutely rounded; 79. Chloebora crassa (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 5 O) Cercus elongate, slightly incurved, slightly shorter Supra-anal plate elongate-angular; curved than supra-anal plate, two and a half times as long medially and apically, as long as wide, apex as wide, with rounded apex. obtusely rounded; Cercus narrow conical, broad 87. Bryodema luctuosa inda Saussure, 1884 basally, narrowing apically, more than three times (Fig. 6 F) as long as wide, with obtuse apex Supra-anal plate triangularly shield-like, lateral 80. Locusta migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 5 margins curved medially and apically, much wider P) than long, apex obtusely conical; Cercus conical, Supra-anal plate elongate angular, lateral margins shorter than supra-anal plate, two times as long as incurved medially, slightly longer than wide, apex wide, apex rounded. obtusely conical; Cercus narrow conical, shorter 88. Scintharista notabilis (Walker, 1870) (Fig. 6 than supra-anal plate, more than two times as long G) as wide, apex obtuse. Supra-anal plate angular, longer than wide, lateral 81. Trilophidia annulata (Thunberg, 1815) (Fig. margins curved medially, apex obtusely rounded; 5 Q) Cercus broad basally, curved, narrowing apically, Supra anal plate rounded-triangular, as long as shorter than supra-anal plate, three times as long wide, curved apically, apex rounded; Cercus as wide with obtuse apex. uniformly broad, slightly shorter than supra-anal Subfamily Eyprepocneminae plate, three times as long as broad, apex broadly 89. Eyprepocnemis alacris (Serville, 1838) (Fig. rounded. 6 H) 82. Oedaleus abruptus (Thunberg, 1815) (Fig. 6 Supra-anal plate elongate angular, longer than A) wide, apex attenuate; Cercus narrow and conical, Supra anal plate angular, longer than wide, curved longer than supra-anal plate, more than three medially and apically, apex obtusely rounded; times as long as wide, apex acute, incurved and Cercus elongate-conical, slightly shorter than slightly down curved. supra-anal plate, almost three times as long as 90. Tylotropidius varicornis (Walker, 1870) (Fig. wide, with obtuse apex. 6 I) 83. Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss, 1877) (Fig. Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, longer than 6 B) wide, apex slightly attenuate; Cercus long and Supra anal plate angular, slightly longer than wide, conical, slightly compressed, slightly shorter than curved medially and apically, apex acutely supra-anal plate, slightly less than three times as rounded; Cercus uniformly broad, slightly shorter long as wide, apex subacute. than supra-anal plate, two and a half times as long 91. Heteracris nobilis (Brancsik, 1893) (Fig. 6 as wide, with broadly rounded apex. J) 84. Sphingonotus rubescens (Walker, 1870) Supra-anal plate broadly triangular, longer than (Fig. 6 C) wide, apex obtusely conical, Cercus moderately Supra-anal broad, obtuse-angular, as long as broad, strongly compressed, slightly longer than wide, finely sculptured dorsally, lateral margin supra-anal plate, more than three times as long as incurved medially and apically forming an obtuse- wide, apex rounded, incurved and down curved. angular apex; Cercus elongated, broad basally,

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 91 Fig. 6. A-Q Supra Anal Plate (Male); A. Oedaleus abruptus, B. Oedaleus senegalensis, C. Sphingonotus rubescens, D. Sphingonotus savignyi, E. Morphacris fasciata, F. Bryodema luctuosa inda, G. Scintharista notabilis, H. Eyprepocnemis alacris, I. Tylotropidius varicornis, J. Heteracris nobilis, K. Heteracis littoralis, L. Heteracris pulcher, M. Eucoptacra binghami, N. Eucoptacra praemorsa, O. Epistaurus aberrans, P. Tropidopola longicornis longicornis, Q. Tristria pulvinata.

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 92 CONCLUSION 92. Heteracis littoralis (Rambur, 1838) (Fig. 6 K) Earlier studies on the systematic of Acridoidea Supra-anal plate broadly triangular, longer than were exclusively based on conventional wide, apex obtusely conical; Cercus moderately characters like color, size, texture, number of broad, strongly compressed, longer than supra- antennal segments etc. The recent trends in anal plate, more than four times as long as wide, Acridid systematic is mainly based on genitalic apex rounded, incurved and down curved. characters. male external genitalia present 93. Heteracris pulcher (Bolivar, 1902) (Fig. 6 L) rich structural details, which are remarkably Supra-anal plate broadly triangular, wider than uniform within a species, presenting only a small long, lateral margins curved medially, apex range of variation. Involvement of sexual features, obtusely rounded; Cercus moderately broad, including sexual behaviour, has been referred to strongly compressed, longer than supra-anal as sexual selection. While Natural Selection leads plate, four times as long as wide, apex rounded, to taxonomic diversity, sexual selection operates incurved and down curved. within the limits of a population or a species (Verma, 2012). Subfamily Coptacridinae Uvarov (1966) described the morphology of 94. Eucoptacra binghami Uvarov, 1921 (Fig. 6 genitalic structures and their importance in the M) classification of Acridoidea. However no attempt Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, longer than has been made to study the significance of male wide, apex triangularly rounded; Cercus supra-anal plate and cerci at generic and specific moderately broad and conical, compressed level. In the present study, five specimens of each laterally, decurved, shorter than supra-anal plate, species were examined in order to study the male more than four times as long as wide, apex slightly supra-anal plate and cerci, which represent the truncated; external genitalia of male copulatory organs, and 95. Eucoptacra praemorsa (Stål, 1861) (Fig. 6 exist in some groups very stable and reliable. N) Comparative study of male supra-anal plate and Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, longer than cerci in ninty-eight species from the family wide, with apex triangularly rounded; Cercus Acrididae revealed morphology of supra-anal plate broad at base and narrowing apically, laterally and cerci and the shape of their apices can be compressed, decurved, as long as supra-anal considered as diagnostic characters of various plate, three times as long as wide, apex acute and genera and species. Supra-anal plate broadly outcurved. triangular, cercus large and wide in Heteracris; 96. Epistaurus aberrans Brunner von supra-anal plate slightly trilobite, lateral margin Wattenwyl, 1893 (Fig. 6 O) curved apically, cercus narrow, incurved in Supra-anal plate elongate, slightly less than two Anacridium, Heiroglyphus and Eucoptacra; supra- times as long as wide, lateral margin straight anal plate elongate-angular, cercus wide, strongly apically, diverging apically, forming bluntly compressed in Schistocerca; supra-anal plate rounded apex; Cercus elongate, uniformly broad, elongate-angular, lateral margins incurved narrowing apically, apex blunt and excurved, medially, cercus broad in Acrotylus, Chloebora; slightly less than three times as long as wide. supra-anal plate elongate-angular, lateral margin Subfamily Tropidopolinae curved apically, and apically, cercus conical in 97. Tropidopola longicornis longicornis Aiolopus, Ceracris; supra-anal plate angular, (Fieber, 1853) (Fig. 6 P) cercus narrow-conical in Oedaleus, Gastrimargus, Supra-anal plate elongate-angular, much longer Heteropternis, Dittopternis and Locusta; supra- than wide, apex acutely conical; Cercus anal plate angular, curved medially and apically, moderately broad, much shorter than supra-anal cercus curved medially in Sphingonotus, plate, two and a half times as long as wide, apex Morphacris and Bryodema; supra-anal plate truncated, widened and compressed. elongate-angular, lateral margin curved apically, 98. Tristria pulvinata (Uvarov, 1921) (Fig. 6 Q) cercus elongate, narrow-conical in Ochrilidia, Supra-anal plate oblong, distinctly longer than Aulacobothrus and Xenocatantops; supra-anal wide, apex obtusely rounded; Cercus subconical plate elongate-angular, slightly curved apically, in basal two-thirds, apical third compressed, cercus narrow, compressed in Truxalis and Acrida; shorter than supra-anal plate, three times as long supra-anal plate angular, cercus broad, curved as wide, down curved with acute apex. medially with obtuse apex in Phlaeoba; supra-anal plate angular, slightly curved apically, cercus

Bio Bulletin (2017), Vol. 3(1): 80-94, Usmani, Amir and Usmani 93 curved medially, conical in Orthochtha; supra-anal REFERENCES plate triangular, cercus wide, compressed, Dirsh, V.M. 1965. The African genera of Acridoidea. truncated apically in Oxya; supra-anal plate short, Cambridge, xiii + 579 pp. triangular, cercus elongate, wide, compressed, Jannone, G. 1939. Sulla diffusione della vercicola truncated at apex in Acorypha and Choroedocus; ghiandolare protoracia negli Ortotteri della These findings together with other generic subfam. Oedipodinae. Bollettino di characters may help in the identification of the Zoologica. 10: 1-3 (35). different genera of Acrididae. Kumar, H., Usmani, M.K. & Reenu, K. 2014. Taxonomic Shape and ratio of length and width of supra-anal significance of Male Supra anal plate, cerci plate are suggested as generic character while and subgenital plate in Pyrgomorphidae (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphoidea). Journal of ratio of length and width of cerci and shape of their Entomological Research Society. 16(1): 21- apices are suggested as specific characters in 26. separating various species of the genera Oxya, Usmani, M.K., Ajaili, A.A. 1994. Taxonomic significance Dibolocatantops, Xenocatantops, Anacridium, of male supra anal plate and cerci in some Heteracris, Choroedocus, Acorypha, Eucoptacra, libyan grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Truxalis, Acrida, Aulacobothrus, Orthochtha, Annals of Agricultural Science, 39(1): 407- Acrotylus, Aiolopus, Phlaeoba, Morphacris, 416. Oedaleus, Sphingonotus, Gastrimargus, Usmani, M.K. and Khan, M.I. 2012. Male genitalia in Orchilidia, and Hieroglyphus. some Indian species of Acridoidea (Orthoptera). J. ent. Res., 36(2): 165-171. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Uvarov, B.P. (1966). Grasshoppers and Locusts. Cambridge, 481 pp. The authors are thankful to the Chairman, Verma, K.K. 2012. Sexual Selection. Biological Forum. Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, An International Journal, 4(2): 26-34. Aligarh for providing necessary facilities. The first author is also obliged to University Grants Commission for Non-Net UGC Fellowship.

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