Behavioural responses in terms of feeding and reproduction in some grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Insecta)

Abstract

Studies on the host preference in some acridids revealed sequentiaiity of feeding behaviour aided by various sensillae, the suitability of the host plant greatly depending upon the physical and chemical factors. Studies on acridids and pyrgomorphid species indicated that Truxalis indica feed exclusively on grasses, Orthacris maindroni only on dicot plants and Atractomorpha crenulata on both monocot and dicot plants. Significant variations in the quantitative food intake on diverse host plants during post-embryonic development were also evident. Distribution and density of diverse sensillae on the antennae, iabrum, maxillary and labial palps as well as their role in food selection are documented. The impact of antennal and palpal ablation on host selection, the quantity of food intake as well as the influence of diverse host plants on fecundity are discussed.