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Submitted to: Journal of Orthoptera Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/4/2002 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Katydids are usually plant-feeding insects, many species of which are minor agricultural or ornamental pests. Some species, however, are predaceous, feeding on aphids, flies, and other insects. Two new species of predaceous katydids are described in this paper as part of an investigation comparing diversity of katydids and their relatives (grasshoppers and crickets) from Peru with those from the United States. Some species of predaceous katydids may have use as natural enemies of pests of trees and shrubs, including both species in this study. User groups who may benefit from this research include researchers on biodiversity and tropical ecology, biological control, and the U.S. Forestry service. Technical Abstract: The predaceous katydid species Arachnoscelus meriti, n.sp. (Listroscelidinae) and Phlugiola arboreus, n.sp. (Meconematinae) are described herein. Both species are collected from rainforest canopies in northern Peru. Based on the numbers of additional new forms collected, sorted, and identified during the course of this study, many species in addition to these species are new to science, providing evidence of a very rich and diverse arboreal fauna in northern Peru. |
