Orthoptera

[Robin Leech]

Yes, try this.
Usually the problem of determination of immature vs adult comes with
brachypterous or nearly apterous forms, not fully winged forms.
Look at the position of the hind wing in relation to the fore wing.  If the
hind wing rests atop of the fore wing, it is immature.  If the fore wing
rests atop the hind wing, it is mature.  This works well with Acrididae,
Tettigoniidae and related families.
Other give aways are the sclerotized ovipositors of females and the
complicated terminalia of males.  In immatures, these are often soft and/or
formless.
Robin Leech
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. Suresh" <suresh.mohana at VSNL.COM>
To: <TAXACOM at USOBI.ORG>
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2001 9:38 PM
Subject: Orthoptera


> Dear all,
> I am interested in the systematics of Acridoidea (Orthoptera). But I find
> it very difficult to distinguish the nymphs from the adult apterous forms.
> Could some one help me in this aspect ?
> Thanks
> Vidhupriya
>
> Systematic Entomology Lab., Dept. of Zoology. University of Calicut,
> Kerala- 673635, India
>