METALEPTEAMETALEPTEA THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ORTHOPTERISTS’ SOCIETY
President’s Message [1] PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ear Society Members, [2] SOCIETY NEWS
th A NEW CALL FOR [2] 11 International Congress of Orthopterology in Kunming, China PROPOSALS TO THE DD ORTHOPTERISTS’ [3] OS Research Grants Solicitation SOCIETY RESEARCH FUND and Winners of 2011 Winter Grants I am very happy to announce that the 20th annual call for ap- [4] OS GRANT REPORT plications for the Orthopterists’ Society grants primarily in support [4] Phylogenetic analyses of the of graduate students and young band-winged grasshoppers (Acridi- dae: Oedipodinae) reveal conver- research in Orthoptera (s. l.) and gence of wing morphology and in- professionals for significant basic most are members, not all. There congruence with current taxonomy is a marvelous range of photos that by Martin Husemann et al. is opened. Proposals are due on 1 people are posting daily. Julyinnovative 2012 andpresentation 1 January of 2013 findings. [6] CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE Please see instructions for submis- 11TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS sion of proposals herein and in our OF ORTHOPTEROLOGY: [6] Georges Claraz - a Swiss natural- website (http://140.247.119.225/ I wish to remind you that the 11th ist in Argentina by John Hollier and OrthSoc/). International Congress of Orthop- Anita Hollier
terology will be held next year MEMBERSHIP-PAYPAL-FACEBOOK [8] A brief search for the Texas (August 11-15, 2013) in Kunming, The membership is a major con- Cholla Grasshopper, Chloroplus cac- Yunnan, China, under the theme: cern these days for any Society, but tocaetes Hebard, 1918 (Acrididae: it is nice to see that the number of Melanoplinae), with illustrations and Human Culture”. our Society is slowly increasing. We of the species and its habitat by “Orthoptera Orthopteran in insectsScientific have Progress in- Robert A. Behrstock have 463 members. Unfortunately, not all are paying their dues timely. history for more than 3,000 years, [10] Introduction of migratory Please, those that are somewhat asfluenced mentioned human by lifethe andChair human of the locust studies in China by Xiongbing behind consider updating your Congress, Dr. Long Zhang in his Tu dues. However, the good news is welcome words (please see below). that since the instrumentation of Orthoptera are fully integrated in [11] On some grasshopper names payment through PayPal, payment and other things too by Carlos S. human culture, thus for our next is simpler for members as well as Carbonell Congress we have chosen to look at Orthoptera from two perspec- [13] BOOK REVIEW for On our a side officers note, who we aredeal now with at the 102 culture. membersSociety’s finances. on the Society Facebook [14] RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT tives: Please scientific visit the progress Website and of the human page (http://www.facebook.com/ Congress for more information: groups/115824701779919/); [14] EDITORIAL (http://ico.greatlocust.com/). Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 1 METALEPTEA JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA outstanding contribution to JOR and I thank Sam and Corey for accept- RESEARCH to science in general devoting his ing this challenge, crucial for our time in our wonderful Journal. Society. Due to several understandable On the other hand, I am very glad As there are many details behind reasons and after a long period of to announce that the OS Execu- deliberation, Glenn Morris de- Society, Glenn and Sam are working cided to stop editing JOR. He has Managing Editor JOR to Sam Heads onthe them transfer but ofit willthis takekey office some of time the many other projects underway (presentlytive Board hasAssociate offered Editor the office of JOR of before the new Managing Editor is and planned, some involving insect and Metaleptea) who has accepted research and teaching and some this huge challenge. Besides, Corin- recreational. So, after more than a na Bazelet (presently OS Regional at office. Sincerely, decade devoted to JOR, he wants Representative from Sub-Saharan to concentrate his efforts in these Africa) has accepted to replace Sam Maria Marta Cigliano other projects. I thank him for his Heads as Associate Editor of JOR. La Plata, Argentina An invitation to the 11th International Congress of Orthopterology “Orthoptera in Scientific Progress and Human Culture” ear friends and col- and biology of this leagues: precious group of insects. Orthopteran insects Therefore, the chosen theme for D life and human history this Congress is forD more thanhave 3,000 influenced years and human are “Orthoptera in fully integrated into human culture. Scientific Prog- For example, we not only study ress and Human locusts to help control them and Culture”. This Con- protect our food, we also play with gress will provide - the opportunity for ten to the sound of katydids to com- researchers and fortcrickets our hearts.to find enjoyment.We make paintings We lis scientists from and use all other arts to depict the throughout the beauty of orthopteran insects, from world to get togeth- Kunming is a beautiful city, lo- their attractive fusiform aspect and er to share their current research cated in the center of the Yunnan- seemingly interminable jumping results in Orthoptera, exchange new Guizhou Plateau, which has a long legs, to their diversity of colors and ideas, techniques and establish net- history. About 30,000 years ago, lo- shapes. We Orthopterists express works to support future research cal inhabitants lived mainly around not only our science, but also our Dian Lake in Kunming. By about feelings through the colorful forms cultural aspects of Orthoptera in 286 BC, Kunming was a capital of in this field, as welldifferent as the countries.study of southwest China. Besides many On behalf of the fascinating historical sightseeing local organizing options, this area has amazing natu- committee, it is ral beauty. Kunming is surrounded our pleasure to by lakes and hills, with many at- welcome you to tractive destinations, such as Stone the 11th Interna- Forest, Gold Palace Park, Culture tional Congress of Exhibition Center, Dian Lake, Lijiang Orthopterology, in Ancient City, Shangelila (also known Kunming, China. as Shangri-la), and Xishuangbanna Gedansongzhan Temple, Shangelila, Yunnan (home to China’s last remaining Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 2 METALEPTEA herds of wild Asian elephants). round temperate climate, it is called Long Zhang Yunnan has plentiful biodiversity The Spring City. Let’s meet together Key Laboratory for Biological and beautiful landscapes, extending in August of 2013 and enjoy the Control, Ministry of Agriculture, north near to Tibet, and south near excitement of advancing our science China Agricultural University Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. amidst the colorful life and culture Beijing, China The weather in the city is very of Kunming. comfortable. Because of its year- The Orthopterists’ Society Grant Solicitation and Winners of 2011 Winter Grant ellow Orthopterists, newer molecular techniques, and their expertise), 3) RESEARCH of cladistics, maximum likelihood, We herewith announce PLAN,projects including especially the in particular fields outside or- etc. Similarly, applicants for survey the 20th annual call for thopterans to be studied, methods, projects must clearly identify the applications for $300- logistics, an approximate timetable biological problems to be solved. FF $1,000 Orthopterists’ (to give the judges some idea of fea- - Society grants primarily in support sibility), etc., and, 4) INNOVATIONS ing out what is there” (important as of graduate students and young IN PRESENTATION (if applicable), thatProjects may which be) will merely not be involve funded. “find such as special tabulation, distinc- Proposals from graduate students research in Orthoptera (s. l.) and tive illustrations and diagrams, must include a simple recommen- professionals for significant basic material on computer discs, CD- dation from their major professor The Research Committee generally ROMs, etc. B) CURRICULUM VITAE favorsinnovative applicants presentation without of other findings. (half page) including name, mailing, an educational or research insti- funds, and encourages orthopterists present position or years in gradu- tutionor advisor. should Those indicate not affiliated where the with from Asia, Latin America, and Africa ate school, education, number of work is to be done. A short report to apply. papers published or completed, will be required from the successful This research grants program is citation of selected publications applicants written for our newslet- funded entirely by membership pertinent to the proposal to aid ter, Metaleptea, for orthopterist but contributions, and is matched by the judges; vital statistics are NOT non-specialist readers. an anonymous donor. I urge you to desired. C) BUDGET (half page) This winter, the Research Grants contribute in any amount with your Committee received twelve grant dues and subscriptions. where appropriate (i. e. why spe- This year grants will be awarded cialincluding equipment justification is necessary of items unless (United States, Colombia, Argen- in September, and March, with due self-obvious), other funding for the tina,applications Germany, from and five New countries Zealand). dates for applications on 1 July project, etc. Overhead CANNOT be The Committee, comprising Karim 2012 and 1 January 2013. Pro- provided on Society grants. Vahed (UK), Theodore Cohn (USA), posals should be submitted to the The Committee prefers propos- and David Hunter (Australia), Chair at the address below (Fax als applicable to broad biological funded 8 proposals. Advice on and E-mail applications [plain text problems, even though the ac- some projects was offered by com- only] are preferred). The proposals tual research may be narrower mittee members and consultants should be in the following format in scope. Proposals also should in keeping with the Society goal to and restricted to the indicated include clearly stated hypotheses encourage exchange of ideas and number of pages: A) DESCRIPTION and predictions, and evidence to be information. The following grants (one page): 1) TITLE, 2) SIGNIFI- gathered to test the hypotheses and were made in amounts from US$ CANCE, stressing the new aspects of predictions. Taxonomic projects 400 to $1,000: the proposal, expected contribution should also involve clear ques- to theory, relation to previous work, tions, hypotheses, and predicted Cole, Jeffrey(USA) – Testing the ring etc. (applicants should emphasize evidence, and applicants for these species hypothesis in the katydid projects must demonstrate some Neduba in the Sierra Nevada, Califor- proposal to provide the judges with understanding of taxonomic theory nia. the basisnature for and weighing significance different of their and methodology, especially of the DiRienzo, Nicholas (USA) – Biogenic
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 3 METALEPTEA amines and the regulation of person- complex tibial organ in non-hearing for $40-99, and a Carbonell original ality in a field cricket. wetas (Hemiandrus, Anostostoma- for $100. (Please remind me if I Kensinger, Bart (USA) – Evolution of tidae): neuroanatomy and vibration have been remiss in sending these compound acoustical signals in the sensitivity. to past donors.) Through contribu- phaneropterine katydid Dichopetala Worthington, Amy (USA) – Do female tions and matching funds from an in Texas. field crickets mate multiply to acquire anonymous contributor, we hope to Myers, Shelley (New Zealand) – Spe- direct benefits from ejaculate? support this year’s applicants and ciation through clasper divergence in have some left over to build up this the New Zealand stick insect Cli- Our Research Fund investments fund as an endowment to support tarchus. future research projects. Pocco, Martina Eugenia (Argen- grants. I therefore appeal tina) – Phylogeny of the Neotropical toare the still generosity sufficient ofto ourfund members only a few Theodore J. Cohn genus Diponthus and the evolution to contribute to the Fund so that Chair, Research Committee of gregariousness and aposematism we can continue awarding grants at Insect Division, Museum of Zoology, displays. high levels and need not disappoint 1109 Geddes Ave., Raszick, Tyler (USA) – Using RAD tag applicants with worthy proposals. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, sequencing techniques to resolve a As a token of our appreciation, con- MI 48109-1079, USA, population-level phylogeny in Schis- tributors to the Research Fund will Fax: (734) 763-0480 tocerca lineata with different ecophe- receive a set of Carbonell notepaper E-mail: [email protected]. notypes. with envelopes for contributions of [plain text only] Strauss, Johannes (Germany) – The $20-39, the 1993 JOR colored plate The Orthopterists’ Society Grant Reports Phylogenetic analyses of the band-winged grasshoppers (Acridi- dae: Oedipodinae) reveal convergence of wing morphology and incongruence with current taxonomy any groups of organ- due to similar ecological pressures. grasshoppers, are found on almost isms have wide dis- However, molecular methods can all continents and share common tributions spreading test these taxonomic relationships phenotypes across their distribu- across several con- overcoming the problem of conver- tional range (Fig. 2). Within the tinents. Often these gence. band-winged grasshoppers, several MM taxa occur in similar Oedipodinae, or band-winged characteristic phenotypes are found habitats and share a common morphol- ogy. These pheno- typic similarities can be the result of either common ancestry or conver- gent evolution in response to similar selective pressures (Fig. 1). Tradi- tionally taxa with similar morphologi- cal characters have been grouped into higher taxonomic units ignoring the possibility of con- vergent evolution Figure 1. The two competing hypotheses of a) convergent evolution and b) common ancestry. Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 4 METALEPTEA
Figure 2. a) Trimerotropis saxatilis from Texas, b) Sphingonotus octofasciatus from Morocco in the Palaeartic as well as in the ing to White’s chromosomal groups Husemann, M., Ray, J., Hochkirch, A. Nearctic. In our study we aimed A and B (White 1948, 1950, 1973). (2011). A revision of the subgenus Para- to distinguish among two distinct Within the Palaeartic Sphingonoti- sphingonotus Benediktov & Husemann, hypotheses explaining the observed 2009 (Orthoptera: Oedipodinae: Sphin- distributions and phenotypic simi- the Sphingonotus caerulans group gonotini). Zootaxa, 2916, 51-61. Husemann, M., Namkung, S.J., Habel, larities between Palaearctic and Ne- andni, two the previously identified group, weregroups, S. azurescens J.C., Hochkirch, A., Danley, P.D. (in press) arctic Bryodemini and Sphingono- supported (Hochkirch & Huse- Intercontinental relationships of band- tini (Fig. 1). Members of both tribes mann 2008, Husemann et al. 2011). winged grasshoppers: Vicariance and are found in both the western and Several genera do not represent colonization. Zoologica Scripta. eastern hemispheres. They were monophyletic groups and the entire White, M.J.D. (1948). A cytological survey assigned to their respective tribes complex requires revision. of wild populations of Trimerotropis and mainly based on the shape of their We used a molecular clock ap- Circotettix. (Orthoptera, Acrididae). I. The fore- and hind wings. We sequenced proach to estimate the time when chromosomes of twelve species. Genet- parts of the mitochondrial COI and Neartic and Palaearctic lineages ics, 34, 537-563. ND5 genes and the nuclear ITS2, split. The split was dated at around White, M.J.D. (1950). A cytological survey of wild populations of Trimerotropis and H3 and 18S genes of several species 35 million years ago. This sug- Circotettix. (Orthoptera, Acrididae). II. of each group in order to evaluate gests that the divergence is not the Racial differentiation in T. sparsa. Genet- the two alternatives of common result of an ancient vicariance event ics, 36, 31-53. ancestry or convergent evolution. (break-up of Pangaea), but rather White, M.J.D. (1973). Animal cytology We used standard Bayesian and the result of a single invasion. Given and evolution. 3rd edition. Cambridge likelihood methods to reconstruct the time estimate the migration University Press. the phylogeny and used Bayes Fac- most likely occurred via the Berin- tors analysis to evaluate compet- gian land-bridge. The direction ing hypotheses. A molecular clock could not be convincingly inferred, analysis was performed to obtain but a different study suggests that Martin Husemann divergence time estimates for major the origin of oedipodines is in the Suk Namkung lineages (Husemann et al. in press). eastern hemisphere (Chapco & Con- Dr. Patrick D. Daley Our analyses revealed inconsis- treras 2011). Baylor University, USA tencies with the current taxonomy (Husemann et al. in press). Neither References Dr. Axel Hochkirch Sphingonotini nor Bryodemini are Chapco, W., Contreras, D. (2011) Sub- University of Trier, Germany monophyletic. Instead, the Nearctic families Acridinae, Gomphocerinae and and the Palaearctic taxa formed Oedipodinae are “fuzzy sets”: a proposal Dr. Jan C. Habel monophyletic clades. Palaearctic for a common African origin. Journal of Musée national d´histoire naturelle, Orthoptera Research, 20, 173-190. taxa belong to two distinct lineages Luxembourg Hochkirch, A., Husemann, M. (2008). A in accordance with the designation review of Canarian Sphingonotini with of Bryodemini and Sphingonotini. description of a new species from Fuerte- In addition we found two sublin- ventura (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oedipo- eages in the Nearctic, correspond- dinae). Zoological Studies, 47, 495-506. Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 5 METALEPTEA Georges Claraz – a Swiss naturalist in Argentina he naturalist Georges ern Patagonia, Claraz (1832–1930) between the was one of the pioneers Rio Negro and of the exploration of Pa- Rio Chubut, tagonia and the study keeping a TT of its people. Although careful diary well-known at the time, his work and collecting has largely been forgotten but his natural history name lives on in the species of Or- and ethno- thoptera dedicated to him by Henri graphic mate- de Saussure and Alphonse Pictet. rial. Although Georges (or Jorge) Claraz was the expedition born in Fribourg, Switzerland, in diary was not 1832. The eldest of eleven children, published at he studied natural sciences at the the time, two universities of Zürich, Freiburg im versions have Breisgau (Germany) and Berlin. In since been 1857 he went to Brazil as assistant published to Jakob Christian Heusser (1826– with com- 1909), his former teacher of min- mentaries by eralogy, who had been asked by the Casimaquela Swiss authorities to investigate the (1988, 2008); condition of certain Swiss settlers the latter also who had complained about unfair includes Span- treatment. While travelling, they ish translations took the opportunity to study the of some other natural history of the places they unpublished visited as well as writing reports for notes, infor- the Swiss authorities (Hux, 1975). mation about Claraz’ criticism of the Brazil- the plants and ian government’s treatment of vertebrates slaves made them personae non mentioned and of Araucania and Patagonia for him- gratae, and in 1859 they moved to some lexicographic information on self). It was not formally divided Argentina and bought land near the native languages Claraz studied. between Argentina and Chile until Bahia Blanca (Buenos Aires State). Claraz contributed material for sev- 1881. Claraz’ expedition was the They were later joined by Antoine eral dictionaries of native languages Claraz, Georges’ younger brother. published by other workers, and of the region in which he travelled, There they raised cattle, sheep and left many unpublished letters and andfirst heto examinerecorded the a lot natural of valuable history in- horses, and continued their natural notes (Hux, 1975). formation about the native cultures history studies. Claraz soon came Although Patagonia was brought before the “Conquest of the Desert” into contact with the Mapuche to European attention by the in which the Argentine government and Tehuelche peoples, learning took control of northern Patagonia something of their language and recorded circumnavigation of the in the 1870s and 1880s with a dev- publication of accounts of the first culture (Kradolfer, 2003). Heusser earth by Ferdinand Magellan and astating impact on the indigenous and Claraz published a number of Juan Sebastián Elcano (1519–1522), people. it remained relatively unknown, Although not in the same category articles based on their observations home to various native peoples and as Darwin, Humboldt or d’Orbigny, scientific papers and newspaper and experiences (see Claraz, 1927 settlers of diverse origins and not Claraz deserves wider recognition and Schinz, 1931). part of any recognised state (de- because his interests were broad In 1865–1866 Claraz made a spite the attempt by Orélie-Antoine and his observations acute. More- pioneering expedition into north- de Tounens to create the Kingdom over, he shared his knowledge in a
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 6 METALEPTEA
(left) Syntype of Diponthus clarazianus Pictet & Saussure, (right) Syntypes of Alcamenes clarazianus Pictet & Saussure wide correspondence with Europe- (Saussure, 1874) (a junior synonym tina where a village in Buenos Aires an and American specialists (Krad- of Anurogryllus muticus muticus (De State was named after him. olfer, 2003) and collected an impos- Geer, 1773)). In the Mantodea there ing body of material, sending many is Coptopteryx claraziana Saussure, References specimens to museums in Switzer- 1869, in the Blattodea Blabera Casamiquela, R. M. (ed.) (1988). Georges land and Britain (Hux, 1975). These claraziana Saussure, 1864 (a junior Claraz: Diario de viaje al Chubut (1865- specimens were mainly from the synonym of Blaptica dubia (Serville, 1866). Marymar, Buenos Aires. 200pp. area around Bahia Blanca and the 1838)) and in the Phasmida Agath- Casamiquela, R. M. (ed.) (2008). Georges Claraz: Viaje al rio Chubut, aspectos Swiss settlement of San José (Entre (Saussure, 1868). emera claraziana naturalisticos y etnológicos (1865-1866). Rios State), but some were collected Primary type material of all of these Ediciones Continente, Buenos Aires. during his Patagonia expedition or species is preserved in the Museum 286pp. (in the case of some ethnographic d’histoire naturelle in Geneva. Claraz, G. (1927). Erinnerungen an Dr. and fossil material) procured from Other dedications include the Christian Heusser. Vierteljahrsschrift der elsewhere. wasp Odyneurus clarazianus Sau- Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Zürich One of Claraz’ correspondents was ssure, 1870 and the millipede 72: 372-395. - Odontotropis clarazianus (Humbert Hux, P. M. 1975. Georges Claraz 1832- van biologist specialising in the or- & Saussure, 1869), as well as a 1938. Ein Schweizer Forscher in Argenti- thopteroidHenri de Saussure, insects, whoa prolific had aGene spe- number of plants (listed by Krad- nien und Brasilien. Vierteljahrsschrift der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Zürich cial interest in the American fauna olfer, 2003). 120: 429-468. having travelled widely in Mexico In 1882 Claraz returned to Swit- Kradolfer, S. 2003. Georges Claraz: his- and the United States himself. zerland, where he remained in toire d’un itinéraire entre la Suisse et la Saussure described many species order to take care of his widowed Patagonie. Bulletin de la Société suisse on the basis of specimens sent to mother. Heusser stayed in Argen- des Américanistes 66-67: 141-145 him by Claraz, and named several in tina until his death in 1909 (Claraz, Schinz, H. 1931. Georges Claraz (1832- dedication. The grasshopper genus 1927). In 1896 Claraz retired to Lu- 1930). Vierteljahrsschrift der Natur- Clarazella Pictet & Saussure, 1887 gano in the canton of Ticino, where forschenden Gesellschaft in Zürich 76: was erected for C. patagona Pictet & he was visited by the famous Ar- 479-493. Saussure, 1887, the type specimen gentine explorers Francisco Moreno having been collected during Claraz’ and Carlos Moyano. He died in Patagonia expedition. The other 1930, leaving some of his money to John Hollier Muséum d’histoire naturelle Orthoptera named after Claraz are fund travel and publication by natu- C.P. 6343 Alcamenes clarazianus Pictet & ral scientists. The “Kuratorium der CH1211 Genève 6 Saussure, 1887, Bufonacris clara- Georges und Antoine Claraz-Schen- Anita Hollier ziana (Saussure, 1884), Diponthus kung” (currently administered by Archive, CERN, clarazianus Pictet & Saussure, 1887, the Swiss Academy of Sciences) also CH1211 Genève 23 Neocurtilla claraziana (Saussure, holds many of his personal papers. 1874) and Gryllodes clarazianus His memory is honoured in Argen-
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 7 METALEPTEA A brief search for the Texas Cholla Grasshopper, Chloroplus cactocaetes Hebard, 1918 (Acrididae: Melanoplinae), with illustrations of the species and its habitat hloroplus is a distinc- J.D. Weintraub 2010) but it is not of cactus. I believe only one kind of tive monotypic ge- included in a recent list of Mexican cholla cactus is native to the saline nus in the subfamily Orthoptera (Fontana et al., 2008), Melanoplinae. Its sole and there do not appear to be County, Texas, where Hebard found representative, Chlo- specimens in the collection of the Chloroplusflats near Corpus in greatest Christi, numbers— Nueces CC roplus cactocaetes He- Instituto de Biología, Universidad the Pencil Cactus, Desert Christmas bard, 1918, associates with several Nacional Autónoma de México in Cactus, or Tasajillo, Cylindropuntia species of cholla cactus (Cactaceae: Mexico City (pers comm. Enrique leptocaulis (DC.) F.M. Knuth. This Cylindropuntia), characterized by González Soriano). is a widespread species (Texas, their cylindrical stems. Chloroplus Although mentioned in brief sum- Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, has been collected at locations maries (e.g., Helfer 1987, Eades and northern Mexico) with a bushy from southeastern coastal Texas to et al. 2010, Ferguson 2010), and growth form and delicate stems the the Trans-Pecos of West Texas and checklists (Yin et al. 1996, Stidham diameter of a pencil. It inhabits a north at least to Bexar and Uvalde and Stidham 2001), little has been variety of soil types that are often counties (Hebard 1918, pers comm. published concerning the biology sandy or gravelly. Pencil Cactus is J. Stidham 2010 and J. D. Weintraub or distribution of C. cactocaetes frequently found growing below 2010). During the mid-1930s, H.R. since its original description. White larger plants which it uses for Roberts collected it in Nuevo Leon (1945) presented the shapes of its support and Stidham (pers comm. and Coahuila, Mexico (pers comm. chromosomes and Hebard (1918) 2010) stated that this grasshopper - prefers sites where the cactus is cus of the type shaded among trees. specimen.figured the Despite cer Grasshoppers that associate with Hebard (1918, p. 146) describing appeal. The presence of a cactus- it as “…one of the obligatespecific plantswhere have I would an unusualsoon be most delicately traveling dictated that I make some colored and beau- tiful of the North of photographing Chloroplus while American Mela- workingeffort to findin Texas, it. So, I withcontacted the idea Jimmy nopli”, it has not Jackson of Beeville, Texas. Jimmy been illustrated in is a birder and naturalist who lives printed literature near Corpus Christi, and I asked or on the Internet. him about possible locations of Pencil Cactus in his area. Jimmy’s In his description friend Linda Alley, a photographer of C. cactocaetes, from the Corpus Christi area sug- Hebard did not gested a small road nearby in Jim specify which Wells County. Cylindropuntia hosted it; neither Armed with Jimmy’s hand-drawn did he indicate map, on the chilly morning of 5 whether coastal November 2010, I visited the site, and inland popu- a quiet lane through farmland with lations inhabited scattered oaks. I didn’t have a lot Figures 1-2. Chloroplus cactocaetes habitat the same species of time, as I was expected several
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 8 METALEPTEA sites for the cactus and its grass- hopper.
Texas) for comments on cactus taxonomy, Thanks to Jimmy Brian JacksonLoflin (Austin, (Beeville, Texas) for his information and warm hospitality, Linda Alley (Cor-
site, John Abbott (University of Tex- as,pus Austin), Christi) and for suggestingEnrique González the field Soriano (Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City) for check- ing specimen records, and to John Stidham (Garland, Texas) and Jason D. Weintraub (Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia) for informa- tion on specimens and locations pertaining to C. cactocaetes.
References Figure 3. Chloroplus cactocaetes male. Eades, D.C., D. Otte, Cigliano, M.M., Braun hours further south that afternoon. fence row and often hidden in taller H. Orthoptera Species File Online. Version 2.0/4.0. [retrieved 8 July 2010].
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 9 METALEPTEA Introduction of migratory locust studies in China here are three migra- the laboratory, tory locust subspecies and recorded life in China, including history variables. Locusta migratoria Overall, tempera- manilensis (Meyen), ture strongly in- TT Locusta migratoria migratoria (L.), Locusta migratoria development, and tibetensis (Chen), which are impor- behavior.fluenced growth, Growth tant pests of agriculture and hus- and develop- ment rates were which are studying the migratory both positive, locustbandry. in The China scientific are as follow:departments (1) the linear functions Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), of temperature, studying behavior phase changes with low thermal of the migratory locust and plague thresholds for Our results show that tempera- mechanism; (2) the Institute of nymphal growth at 15oC and growth ture may be an important factor af- Plant Protection, Chinese Academy at 13oC. There was no mating at fecting the occurrence and distribu- of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), 18oC and no oviposition at 21oC and tion of migratory locusts. However, working on migratory locust man- below. Rearing temperature did not there are four questions that have agement; and (3) the China Agri- yet to be answered: (1) How does cultural University (CAU), with a molt, except for the 18oC nymphs temperature affect the distribution research focus on chemoperception. significantly influence mass at adult- of the migratory locust? (2) What is I study the adaptation of locusts to cantly smaller mass. Females laid the relationship between tempera- temperature changes at IPPCAAS who molted to adults with signifi ture changes and the occurrences under the direction of my advisor at 24oC than at 30oC females. There of the migratory locust or which de- Professor Zhang Zehua. their first egg pod significantly later velopmental stage of locust will be We reared Oriental Migratory Lo- trends for low-temperature females - custs, Locusta migratoria manilensis towere die strong, earlier, but and non-significant lay fewer and cumulated temperatures? (3) What, (Meyen) from 3rd instar until adult lighter egg pods; 24oC females aver- ifinfluenced any are the most projected significantly changes by inac - aged less than half the dry lifetime migratory locust distribution and tures (18, 21, 24, 27 and 30oC) in egg mass of 30oC females. death at five constant tempera potential for outbreaks given future climate changes? (4) What are the mechanisms controlling diapause in the migratory locust and why do northern populations diapause? Clearly, further studies are needed in order to answer these questions.
Xiongbing Tu Key Laboratory for Biological Control of Ministry of Agriculture Institute of Plant Protection Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 10 METALEPTEA On Some Grasshopper Names and Other Things too or the last forty years or that the acridoid fauna is much There are even shorter generic so, I have been making larger than the small portion of it names in the neotropical insects. I and updating a list of that has been described and pub- remember one with only three let- the publications that lished to date. ters: the genus Itu (Coleoptera, Tor- contain information on In the course of this work, some rindicolidae). I have not seen any F the acridoid fauna of data which are just curious, related with only two letters, but maybe F the Neotropical Region. to the names of these insects, to the there is such. There is certainly one A proportion of these papers have authors of these names and to some among the plants: a genus of neo- information which is essential for particularities of the publications, tropical orchids is called Aa. the taxonomy and nomenclature have attracted my attention. Here The type species of the genus Itu of these insects. Others register are some that I think might be of is Itu zeus. Itu is the name a town geographical distribution, bionom- interest. in the Brazilian State of Sao Paulo. ics and the like. I have not listed Its inhabitants have the reputation papers that refer only to the control Number of publications related of being greatly exaggerated in what of those species that are consid- to the subject (2008) .……...... 1239. regards the size of things, natural or ered agricultural pests. Also I have Of these publications, the ones of manufactured, in their native town. been making and updating a list taxonomic importance.....……..... 589. So much that, with regard to some of Neotropical acridoid species. By “of taxonomic importance” I thing which is unusually large, All the data in the text that follows mean those that have descriptions people say “this must come from were registered in July 2008 (except of new species, new combinations, hose related to Amédégnato, who new synonymies, designation of he was the chief god of the ancient died recently). Some certainly have lectotypes or neotypes and the Greeks,Itu”. As tothe the ruler specific of all name things. Zeus, The changed at present. like. Other publications may have Romans called him Jupiter. And the In my list of species, I have regis- data on geographical distributions, largest planet of the solar system is tered these that have been found bionomics, food-plants and the like. within the Neotropical region They may also be important, but the name of that beetle, I imagined (from the lowlands of Mexico to not for taxonomy and nomencla- thatnamed it must after be him. a very When large I first one. heard Patagonia). But I have listed also a ture. The publications of taxonomic Something like an African Goliathus, few species of evident Neotropical importance were, when I made the or one of the very large Amazonian origin that have invaded the Nearc- survey, roughly 50 % of all the pub- cerambycids. A friend who knows tic region, such as the few romaleid lished papers. about Coleoptera told me that grasshoppers now living in the US the individuals of this species are and even in Canada. Also, all the Names of genera: number of let- scarcely visible to the naked eye. Eumastacidae, the Pyrgomorphidae ters and the Cyrtacanthacridine acridids The shortest ones have only four Coming now to the size of the found in the Americas are included. letters, There are only two of them: grasshopper names, here are a few So too are the Xyronotidae and examples of them. Tanaoceridae, of doubtful origin Bora Amédégnato & Descamps and relationships but living mostly 1979 (Romaleidae, Bactrophorinae) The longest Acridoid generic name about the limit of the Neotropical- (unique) has 21 letters: Nearctic regions. Tela Hebard 1932 (Acrididae, Proc- It is evident that both these lists tolabinae) Scopaeoscleratoscopia Jago 1989 are incomplete, and contain errors. (Proscopiidae) As to the publications, papers may Bora is the name of an Amerindian have escaped my attention. Others nation in the region where the The second longest (also unique) - insects were found, in northeastern has 18 letters: ing my updates. With the species, Peru (Amédégnato, pers. com.) theare beingsituation issued is even while worse. I am finishNew Tela is a geographic name, in Hon- Leptomerinthoprora Rehn 1905 species are being continuously duras, as Hebard himself says in his (Acrididae, Ommatolampinae) described and published and for the paper. Fortunately both the above Neotropical region, it seems evident four-letter-words are quite decent. There are several with 16 letters,
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 11 METALEPTEA such as the following and others: Authors with more than 10 publica- Tristiridae: Genera: 18. Species: 25. tions are: Species by genus: 1.4 Apoxycephalacris Amédégnato & Pyrgomorphidae: Genera: 16. Spe- Descamps 1973 (Acrididae, Omma- Amédégnato 125, Liebermann 115, cies: 30. Species by genus: 1.9 tolampinae) Rehn 77, Descamps 47, Ronderos Ommexechidae: Genera: 12. Spe- 45, Kevan 37, Mesa 35, Hebard 22, cies: 32. Species by genus: 2.7 Pareucephalacris Descamps 1976 Piza 22, Bruner 17, Scudder 16, Romaleidae: Genera: 106. Species: (Acrididae, Proctolabinae) Uvarov 16, Dirsh 12, 493. Species by genus: 4.7 Pauliniidae: Genus: 1. Species: 1. Pseudeumastacops Descamps The number of publications does Species by genus: 1.0 1974 (Eumastacidae) not mean much. A monograph with Acrididae: Genera: 307. Species: 200 pages is one publication, and 1203. Species by genus: 3.9 The rest of the generic names have so is another of 1 page. Its length all between 5 and 15 letters. either, may be unimportant. More Subfamilies of Acrididae. useful information can be found Melanoplinae: Genera: 44. Species: As to the ending of the generic sometimes in a paper of 1 or 2 251. Species by genus: 5.7 names, the most common is acris. pages than in another of 20. Of the Marellinae: Genus: 1. Species: 1. There are 172 valid generic names above publications, some have Species by genus: 1.0 ending in –acris. This ending may information that is essential for the Proctolabinae: Genera: 29. Species: be found elsewhere among neo- taxonomy and nomenclature. Oth- 199. Species by genus: 6.9 tropical insects. I remember Eburo- ers have only data on such subjects Copiocerinae. Genera: 26. Species: dacris (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). as bionomics, geographical distri- 81. Species by genus: 3.1 Acris (according to Brown’s 1956, bution, economical importance and Leptysminae: Genera: 20. Species: the like. For instances, of the 115 92. Species by genus: 4.6 is a Greek word meaning “locust or publications of Liebermann, only Rhytidochrotinae: Genera: 22. Spe- grasshopper”.Composition of The Scientific second Words) is –tettix about 40 have real taxonomic im- cies: 50. Species by genus: 2.3 with 31 valid generic names. Tettix, portance. Of the 22 papers of Piza Ommatolampinae: Genera. 108. on the same authority as above, practically none has any taxonomic Species: 290. Species by genus: 2.3 is also Greek and means “cicada”. importance, while of 22 papers by Cyrtacanthacridinae: Genera: 3. Cicada seems wrong for a grasshop- Hebard, 18 have taxonomic impor- Species: 55. Species by genus: 18.0 per. But if one looks for cicada in tance, and so have almost all of the Acridinae: Genera: 11. Species: 28. Brown’s book, it is a Latin word that 125 papers by Amédégnato. Amé- Species by genus: 2.5 means “tree cricket” or “locust”. dégnato has probably an equal or Oedipodinae: Genera: 11. Species: As to the size of the individuals of larger number of papers of wich she 27. Species by genus: 2.5 the grasshopper species, the Neo- is the second author. Gomphocerinae: Genera: 32. Spe- tropical Region harbors what are cies: 129. Species by genus: 4.0 probably the largest and the small- Numbers of genera and species of est of known grasshoppers, The Neotropical Acridoidea (2008). I do not know whether any part largest belong in the genus Tropi- Valid species…………….…..……… 2184 of the above information will be dacris. Females of T. cristata may Valid genera ……………..………...…. 525 useful to anybody, but one never reach a length of 12 centimeters. Mean number of species by genus quite knows the value of the data And the smallest males of Illape- ……...... …...... 4.2 published. Somebody might, in the lia penai are about 5 mm in body length. Counting the genera and species in use for data in this note. the different taxonomic groups: near or distant future, find some The authors and their publica- Families. Carlos S.Carbonell tions. Eumastacidae: Genera: 40. Species: University of Uruguay With reference only to the authors 213. Species by genus: 5.3 who are now not living, these are Proscopiidae: Genera: 21. Species: the number of publications with 179. Species by genus: 8.5 data on neotropical acridoids in my Xyronotidae: Genera: 2. Species: 4. records. Only the publications of Species by genus: 2.0 which the named is the sole author Tanaoceridae: Genera 2. Species: 4. Species by genus: 2.0
Volumeor the first 32 author (2) / June are here 2012 listed. 12 METALEPTEA Book Review: Grasshoppers of Northwest South America: a Photo Guide Volume 1 – The Western Fauna (North Chocó, Cen- tral and Western Cordillera) Juan Cardona, published by Blurb.com (2012), 124 pp., $59.54 US English Edition: ISBN 978–95846042–4 http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3236908 uan Manuel Cardona, a forest engineer and avid wildlife photographer from Colombia, has a passion for Neotropical JJ orthopterans and no- where is this more evident than in the pages of his new photo guide to the grasshoppers of northwest- ern South America. This lavishly illustrated 124 page volume is the document orthopteran diversity infirst Colombia of a planned and the trilogy surrounding that will regions using Cardona’s breathtak- ing photographs. Dedicated to his wife Malena, who “patiently suffers [his] hopper-mania”, the book is a tour de force of orthopteran macro- photography and includes no fewer than 140 beautiful full-color images that adorn each glossy 8×10 inch page. Even more remarkable is that every image in the book was cap- ume is more than just a collection of addition to the library of anyone stunning photographs however, as it interested in Neotropical Orthop- their glorious saltatorial subjects in includes a brief introduction to each tera, the book will also appeal to theirtured natural in the field surroundings. and thus reflect The vol- of the taxa covered along with notes students, naturalists visiting the on their region, wildlife photographers and
and biology, same “hopper-mania” as its author; asidentification well as a aof category course, anyone into which afflicted I suspect with the map and list most, if not all of the Society mem- of localities, bership will fall. and a useful taxonomic Sam W. Heads index. The University of Illinois book is also available in Spanish and a Japanese edition will be published this October. Undoubted- ly a valuable
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 13 METALEPTEA Orthopteran research featured in the cover of PNAS Congratula- song frequency in a small insect” by body size. The songs of O. henryi, tions to Nata- in the prestigious Proceedings of however, vary in frequency. Natasha sha Mhatrea, the National Academy of Sciences Mhatre et al. reveal the biomechan- Fernando of the U.S.A. as a cover article (doi: ics of the tiny tree crickets’ high- Montealegre- 10.1073/pnas.1200192109). Z, Rohini distinct geometry of their forewings Balakrishnan, Here is what PNAS says about the playsamplitude a key songs role in and frequency find that varia- the and Daniel cover image: Pictured is a singing Robert for Indian tree cricket (Oecanthus hen- that male crickets are obliged to sig- publishing a ryi). Most male crickets rub their naltion. their The actualfindings body negate size theas a idea result very interesting study titled “Chang- wings together to produce mating ing resonator geometry to boost songs at a single sharply tuned fre- mechanisms. sound power decouples size and quency that is largely determined of their inflexible sound production
Editorial Officers of the Orthopterists’ Society t is hard to believe that we are President: María Marta Cigliano, División Entomología, Museo de La Plata already half way through the Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Argentina year 2012. For me personally, [email protected] all my time has been spent President-Elect: Michael J. Samways, Department of Conservation Ecology & on typical things that anyone Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa. I in academia has to deal with, [email protected] suchI as teaching, writing grant Executive Director: Charles Bomar, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, proposals (lots of them!), advising WI, USA. [email protected] students, etc. Now summer is here, Treasurer: David Eades, Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at and I would like to go out and col- Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA. [email protected] Glenn K. Morris, Department of Biology, University of lect some grasshoppers, but unfor- Managing Editor JOR: Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada. [email protected] Co-Editor JOR: Douglas Whitman, Department of Biology, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA. [email protected] thetunately time. I Well, find myselfsome day stuck soon, in my I will Editorial Assistant JOR: Nancy Morris, Department of Biology, University of office in front of my computer all Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada. [email protected] This issue is being published a few Manager Orthopterists’ Society Website: Piotr Naskrecki, Museum of weeksget a chance later than to be planned in the field because again. Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. there are some important changes [email protected] made in the Society which we Associate Manager OS Website: David C.F. Rentz, 19 Butler Dr., Kuranda, Metaleptea. Queensland, Australia. [email protected] Hojun Song, Department of Biology, University of Central However, the goal of publishing at Editor Metaleptea: Florida, Orlando, FL, USA. [email protected] leastwant threeto be reflectedissues per in year regu- Associate Editor Metaleptea: Sam Heads, Illinois Natural History Survey, larly is still being met, thanks to all University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA. contributing members as well as [email protected] my associate editor Sam Heads who Orthoptera Species File Officer: David Eades, Illinois Natural History Survey, provides excellent editorial support University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA. in a timely manner. [email protected] I have heard from many members at [email protected] with a subject issue of Metaleptea will be in Sep- who want to contribute to Metalep- line starting with [Metaleptea]. tember 2012 and please send me tea. And I am sure there are many MS Word document is preferred the articles promptly. Also, please and images should be in JPEG or do not hesitate to send me feedback activities in our Facebook page. To TIFF format with a resolution of at regarding Metaleptea. I look for- more because I can see the flurry of be published in Metaleptea, please least 144 DPI. Please do not embed ward to hearing from you soon. send me any articles, photographs images into a word document, but HOJUN SONG or anything related to Orthoptera Editor
Volume 32 (2) / June 2012 send me as separate files. The next 14