Taxonomic Study of the Genus Conocephalus Thunberg in Korea (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae)

ABSTRACT The genus Conocephalus Thunberg in Korea was taxonomically studied. As the result, five species were confirmed to Korean fauna including a newly recorded species, Conocephalus bambusanus Ingrisch. The key to species, distributional data and comparative figures for identification are given.     

Decisions during Phonotaxis in the Bushcricket Requena verticalis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): Do Females Change Direction to Alternative Male Calls?

Female bushcrickets (Requena verticalis, Listroscelidinae, Tettigoniidae) show a preference between male calls that differ in three parameters, temporal structure, frequency and intensity. In a two-choice speaker situation they prefer louder calls, songs in which the upper part of the frequency spectrum occupies higher frequencies and calls with short chirps rather than those with longer chirps. In an experiment females were offered an alternative call while orienting to a model of their conspecific song. The alternative call was demonstrably preferred by females when presented in a paired-speaker trial. Two motivational states were identified where females moved slowly or quickly to a sound source. Movement patterns were associated with the form of stimulus and slow females were discriminatory of male calls while fast females were not. Slow females changed speaker preference when the alternate speaker broadcast a call model with the higher frequency peak or the song model with the shorter chirps. By comparison fast moving females only changed course when the alternative sound source was louder.     

斑翅草螽线粒体基因组序列测定与分析

已经测定的昆虫线粒体基因组中, 直翅目草螽亚科的疑钩额螽Ruspolia dubia线粒体控制区长度最短, 仅70 bp。为此, 本研究采用L-PCR结合二次PCR扩增策略对另一种草螽亚科昆虫斑翅草螽Conocephalus maculates线粒体基因组序列进行了测定。序列注释发现: 斑翅草螽线粒体基因组序列全长15 898 bp, A+T含量为72.05%, 基因排列与典型的节肢动物线粒体基因组一致。全部蛋白质编码基因以典型的ATN作为起始密码子, 9个蛋白质编码基因具有完整的终止密码子, 其余4个以不完整的T作为终止信号。除trnS^AGN外, 其余21个tRNAs均可折叠形成典型的三叶草结构, 依照Steinberg等(1997)线粒体特殊tRNA结构类型-9, trnS^AGN的DHU臂形成一个7 nt环, 反密码子臂则长达9 bp, 含1个突起碱基, 而不是正常的5 bp。斑翅草螽与其他直翅目昆虫线粒体基因组的主要区别在于, 在trnS^UCN和nad1, nad1和trnL^CUN基因间各存在一段罕见的、大段的基因间隔序列, 长度分别为78 bp和360 bp。其中, 位于nad1和trnL^CUN之间的基因间隔序列N链可形成一个包含完整起始、终止密码子(ATT/TAA)、编码103个氨基酸的未知开放阅读框。同义密码子使用偏好与线粒体基因组编码的tRNA反密码子匹配情况无关, 但与密码子第3位点的碱基组成紧密相关; 相对密码子使用频率(relative synonymous codon usage, RSCU)大于1的密码子, 其第3位点全部是A或T。在已经测定的直翅目昆虫线粒体基因组tRNAs中, 均存在一定数量的碱基错配, 且以G-U弱配对为主, 表明G-U配对在线粒体基因组中可能是一种正常的碱基配对形式。本研究测定的斑翅草螽线粒体基因组序列, 和先前已经测定的直翅目线粒体基因组序列一起, 可以为重建直翅目的进化历史提供数据资源。     

Taxonomic Study of Tribe Copiphorini in Korea (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae)

ABSTRACT Five species of the tribe Copiphorini (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae) including a newly recorded species Xestaphrys javanicus Redtenbacher are recognized in Korean fauna. The key to species, characteristic figures, and diagnosis for the newly recorded species are presented.     

Coercive Copulation in the Alpine Bushcricket Anonconotus alpinus Yersin (Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae: Platycleidini)

Sexual coercion in the form of forced copulation is widespread in the animal kingdom and has been documented in several insect taxa. In crickets and bushcrickets (sub‐order Ensifera), however, mating typically involves luring acts as opposed to forcing acts. The mating behaviour of the tettigoniid Anonconotus alpinus Yersin, which is described in this paper, appears to be unique amongst the Tettigoniidae (and possibly amongst the Ensifera) in that it is coercive, involving forced matings. Males did not stridulate immediately prior to mating but instead leapt on passing females, using their anal cerci as pincers to maintain a hold on the female's abdomen (which was sometimes damaged in the process). Males appeared to lack a sexual refractory period and attempted to copulate again as little as 18 s following the previous mating.     

Male Agonistic Behaviour of the Bushcricket Mygalopsis marki Bailey in Response to Conspecific Song (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

Experiments were conducted on Mygalopsis marki Bailey to determine the response of calling males to singing intruders. By increasing the density of natural aggregations of singing males we were able to observe the behavioural responses of individuals. In high density situations, males sang from lower perches in their plant and this effect was correlated with each male's proximity to other calling males. Furthermore, to examine if resident males were affected by conspecific song, a playback technique was employed using tape recordings of M. marki song. The design of the experiment was such that when confronted with an intruder, steadily increasing the intensity of its song, resident males moved to a lower position in the plant and ceased singing.     

Tegminal amplifiers and spectrum consistencies in Conocephalus nigropleurum (Bruner), Tettigoniidae

The sound frequency spectrum of Conocephalus nígropleurum (Bruner) was investigated with two different models of a custom-built analyser. The spectrum is continuous from 0 to 100 kc/s and contains a band of markedly more intense frequencies extending from 28 to 60 kc/s. When sufficient care was taken to eliminate variation due to microphone-insect alignment, this band or intensity aggregate was found to be highly consistent in the amplitude of its component frequencies.The proximal portions of the tegmina contain modified cells. Tearing these cells produced a large reduction in intensity over the entire spectrum but failed to alter the location and shape of the aggregate. It is concluded that the tegminal wing cells function exclusively as amplifiers. The vein network is suggested as a structural source of the aggregate. A cantilever model is used to represent probable vein oscillation.     

The Phlesirtes complex (Orthoptera,Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae,Conocephalini) reviewed: integrating morphological,molecular, chromosomal and bioacoustic data

The tettigoniid genus Phlesirtes Bolivar and its allies are reviewed. Morphological, ecological and molecular data prompt the erection of the new genus Chortoscirtes gen.n. with type species Xiphidion meruense Sjöstedt. The genera Phlesirtes, Chortoscirtes, Karniella and Naskreckiella are characterized by morphological characters supported by molecular, acoustic, ecological and chromosomal data. Four species, Chortoscirtes pseudomeruensis sp.n. , C. masaicus sp.n. , C. puguensis sp.n. and C. serengeti sp.n. , are described from localities in northern and coastal Tanzania and one Karniella, K. crassicerca sp.n. , is described from Uganda. The following comb n. are proposed: Phlesirtes kibonotensis (Sjöstedt) and Phlesirtes kilimandjaricus (Sjöstedt). Subtribal status is proposed for the four investigated African genera. A key to the Chortoscirtes species is provided.     

Dispersal and speciation of East African mountain bushcrickets of the genus Phlesirtes (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae,Conocephalini) related to climate fluctuations

A phylogeny of the genus Phlesirtes Bolivar is presented, based on new sequence data of three genes (16S rDNA, COI, H3). Species of the genus Phlesirtes (subtribe Karniellina of the Tribe Conocephalini) occupy habitats of montane to afroalpine grasslands in East Africa. Phlesirtes is the most species‐rich genus of the subtribe Karniellina, a group of small flightless Ensifera restricted to eastern Africa. Taken together, the biogeographical patterns seen in Phlesirtes and its molecular phylogeny suggest a migration scenario: the mountain ranges acting as stepping stones, enabling a spread of Phlesirtes ancestors during periods of favourable climatic conditions in the past. The Pleistocene inland volcanoes, such as Mt Kenya or Mt Kilimanjaro, allow us to date speciation processes within the genus Phlesirtes. It is suggested that cooler humid periods of the past 3 Ma boosted speciation of Phlesirtes in East Africa.     

A new genus of African Karniellina (Orthoptera,Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae,Conocephalini): integrating morphological,molecular and bioacoustical data

Melanoscirtes gen.n. is established within Karniellina. The members of this subtribe are small conocephaline bush crickets, confined to Africa. Melanoscirtes is erected on Phlesirtes kibonotensis, a species restricted to forest clearings and forest edge in the submontane and montane zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro. A subspecies, M. kibonotensis uguenoensis, is described from the North Pare mountains, a mountain range of the Eastern Arc adjacent to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Further species of Melanoscirtes occur on other mountain ranges of the northern branch of the Eastern Arc mountains of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. The South Pare mountains harbour M. shengenae; the West Usambaras, M. usambarensis, and the Taita Hills, M. taitensis. All species and subspecies of Melanoscirtes exhibit a similar morphology and occupy analogous habitats on the respective mountains. The song patterns for all species found within this genus are very similar, and this, together with evidence from molecular data, suggests that allopatric speciation is the reason for the biogeographic pattern found in this genus. A key for the subspecies and species of Melanoscirtes is provided.     

Phonotaxis in the painted reed frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)

Summary A detailed study was conducted of the three-dimensional accuracy of phonotaxis by femaleHyperolius marmoratus. This analysis involved videotape recordings of phonotactic approaches to an elevated loudspeaker through a three-dimensional grid. Females readily resolved the sound source elevation, but the jump error angles describing the precision of approach were considerably greater in this three-dimensional analysis than in the more conventional two-dimensional ground approach analysis. Extensive use was made of visual cues in elevated phonotactic approach and lateral head scanning prior to jumps, often accompanied by vertical changes in head orientation, was frequent. The ability of such small anurans to localize a sound source in both the horizontal and vertical plane is remarkable.On leave from the Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA     

Structure of the stridulation ofOrchelimum (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

Summary The structure of the stridulation was investigated by re-playing tape-recordings at very slow speed. The findings were corrobrated by sonograms and mingograms.The central part of the song is the ripple, a fast succession of syllables around which isolated syllables (clicks) are distributed according to species and circumstances. The rate of syllables in the ripple is a linear function of temperature.A quantitative expression for the stridulatory activity is the actual number of syllables per time unit, including pauses. By changes in the combination of elements, at leastO. agile is able to increase the output of syllables four to six times.This work was made possible by a grant from the Carlsberg Foundation to whom my most sincere thanks are due. —As I do not have advanced equipment for sound analysis, I am very much indebted to Dr. Bondesen and cand. sci. Poul Hansen, Bioakustisk Laboratorium, Naturhistorisk Museum, Aarhus, Denmark, and Mr. W.B. Broughton and Dr. M. Samways, Animal Acoustic Unit, City of London Polytechnic, London, for analysing part of the material by sonograms and mingograms. The very valuable help of Dr. Th.J. Walker, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, in identifying the species is gratefully acknowledged. For friendly discussions and linguistic corrections my best thanks are due to H.T. Evans and F.D.S. Evans.     

Ultrastructural Studies of Spermiogenesis of Conocephalus saltator (Saussure)

The acrosome of the spermatozoa is the organelle involved in its penetration through the ova membranes during the fertilization process. Several features of this process are considered to be related to the fertilization events e.g. some substance coats outside the membrane. During the maturation process the spermatozoa of Conocephalus saltator develop a coat of tubules and filaments which overly some membrane regions in a specific array. The mature spermatozoa are seen to adhere in these regions and form threads of 20 cells long and five to six wide. It is suggested that the external coat plays a role in this 'sticking' phenomenon.     

Circadian Patterns of Migration of Strinatia brevipennis (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae) inside a Cave

The distribution pattern of a population of the cricket Strinatia brevipennis was studied in a cave in Southeastern Brazil. The individuals do not move very often, but the population, as a whole, changes position along the day and night. Although the crickets never leave the cave, they approach the entrance during the night for fee ding. During the day, they return to the deep regions and remain almost motionless. The migration seems to be related to light intensity but not to temperature or relative humidity. A photophobic response is slightly evident but the possibility of the presence of an endogenous control of both, sensitivity to light and activity, must also be considered.     

Ecological adaptations of grassland‐inhabiting flightless Orthoptera: Fulvoscirtes and Acanthoscirtes,two new genera of African Karniellina (Orthoptera,Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae,Conocephalini)

Two new genera, Fulvoscirtes n.gen. and Acanthoscirtes n.gen. , are established within the subtribe Karniellina of Conocephalini. Fulvoscirtes is based on Xiphidion kilimandjaricum Sjöstedt, 1909 and Acanthoscirtes on Phlesirtes kevani Chopard from northern Kenya. The majority of Fulvoscirtes spp. are confined to open grasslands in the submontane zone of mountains. Fulvoscirtes contains eight species, seven of which are newly described in this paper. Three species and one subspecies occur on Mt Kilimanjaro. These are F. kilimandjaricum (Sjöstedt) constricted to the southern slopes, F. legumishera n.sp. confined to the northern side and F. sylvaticus n.sp. occurring on the western side of Kilimanjaro and on the eastern slopes of Mt Meru. Fulvoscirtes fulvus n.sp. is divided into two subspecies, F. fulvus fulvus n.ssp. found in the submontane zone of east Kilimanjaro and F. fulvus parensis n.ssp. in submontane to montane localities of the North and South Pare mountains. Fulvoscirtes fulvotaitensis n.sp. occurs in the Taita Hills of southern Kenya. Fulvoscirtes viridis n.sp. is described from savannah habitats between Mts Longido and Meru. Fulvoscirtes laticercus n.sp. is found in the Kenyan highlands, while the most southerly occurring species, Fulvoscirtes manyara n.sp. , is found on Mt Hanang and the Mbulu highlands of northwestern Tanzania. Acanthoscirtes contains three species, of which A. albostriatus n.sp. is described newly from savannah habitas of eastern Kilimanjaro. Information is given on the ecology and the acoustic behaviour of some of the species together with keys to the genera of the Karniellina and the species of Fulvoscirtes and Acanthoscirtes. The genera of Karniellina probably evolved at a time when grasslands spread in East Africa due to an increasing aridification of the climate. The earliest lineage, the genus Karniella, is adapted to more forested habitats while the majority of the genera of Karniellina prefer open grasslands. Major splits within Karniellina probably occurred with the emergence of savannah grasslands due to the ongoing fragmentation of forest habitats several millions years ago, but most species within the genera are geologically young, their radiation being boosted by climatic fluctuations of the past 1–2 Ma.     

Nuptial gifts and female fecundity in the neotropical katydid Conocephalus ictus (Orthoptera: Tettigonidae)

In general, female fitness is greatly increased in gift‐giving insects. In katydids, this nuptial gift consists of a gelatinous mass produced by accessory glands: the spermatophylax, which is attached to the ampulla. During mating, males of the neotropical katydid Conocephalus ictus transfer a spermatophylax that is ingested by the females. Fecundity, egg‐laying rate and longevity were higher in females that consumed the spermatophylax than in those that did not. Also, female receptivity turned off after mating. Females actively rejected other males by hitting them with their forelegs and moving away. Their refractory period lasted as long as 17 d. Only a few females accepted a 2nd mating and died a few days later. In C. ictus, spermatophylax consumption can be beneficial for both males and females. On one hand, the compounds in the spermatophylax or the ejaculate could prevent or delay females from copulating with rivals, thus avoiding sperm competition. On the other hand, such compounds can improve the females’ opportunity to increase their lifespan and fecundity. Moreover, a rise in egg‐laying rate may lower the risk of female prereproductive death caused by rapid oviposition. In any case, the boost in female egg laying might also be beneficial for males because their number of offspring increases.