An annotated Checklist of grasshoppers (Acridoidea: Orthoptera) of Punjab, Pakistan

Article Information

Title: An annotated Checklist of grasshoppers (Acridoidea: Orthoptera) of Punjab, Pakistan

Authors: Naheed Baloch, Muhammad Saeed Wagan, Waheed Ali Panhwar

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31

Publisher: Bioflora (SMC-Private) Limited

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 1

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.55627/zoobotanica.001.02.0618

Keywords: diversityAgriculture PakistanAcridoidea documentationcheck list

Abstract

Grasshoppers (Acrididoidea) found in Punjab, Pakistan, are documented in this article with an annotated checklist. Grasshoppers were collected from several districts of Punjab for the current study with the help of insect net (3.5 inch in diameter and 20 inch in length). The field locations encompassed agricultural, mountainous, semi-mountainous, and semi-desert regions characterized by a diverse range of vegetation, including crops, grasses, herbs, shrubs, and other plant species. A comprehensive identification of 74 grasshopper species was conducted, encompassing 11 subfamilies such as Oedipodinae, Gomphocerinae, Eyprepocnemidinae, Acridinae, Oxyinae, Cyrtacanthacridinae, Hemiacridinae, Calliptaminae, Tropidopolinae, and Catantopinae and Dericorythinae (now known as Dericorythidae). Hopefully, this study will form a base line for future Orthopterists in Pakistan.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To document grasshoppers (Acrididoidea) found in Punjab, Pakistan, with an annotated checklist.

Methodology

Grasshoppers were collected from agricultural, mountainous, semi-mountainous, and semi-desert regions of Punjab, Pakistan, using an insect net. Specimens were preserved, pinned, and identified using a stereoscopic binocular microscope and reference materials, cross-referenced with the Orthoptera Species File Online.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Collection of grasshoppers from Punjab] --> B[Preservation and pinning of specimens];
    B --> C[Identification using stereoscopic microscope and reference materials];
    C --> D[Cross-referencing with Orthoptera Species File Online];
    D --> E[Compilation of annotated checklist];
    E --> F[Analysis and discussion of findings];
    F --> G[Conclusion];

Discussion

The study highlights the importance of grasshoppers in agricultural and rangeland economies and emphasizes the need for comprehensive documentation for effective pest management. The findings are compared with previous studies on Orthoptera in Pakistan, noting an increase in the documented species count for grasshoppers in Punjab. The checklist is updated with current species names and status.

Key Findings

A total of 74 grasshopper species were identified, belonging to 11 subfamilies: Oedipodinae, Gomphocerinae, Eyprepocnemidinae, Acridinae, Oxyinae, Cyrtacanthacridinae, Hemiacridinae, Calliptaminae, Tropidopolinae, Catantopinae, and Dericorythidae.

Conclusion

This study provides an annotated checklist of 74 grasshopper species from Punjab, Pakistan, contributing to the baseline knowledge for future Orthopteran research in the region. Further surveys are recommended for potential discovery of new records or species.

Fact Check

- 74 grasshopper species were identified in the study.
- The study documented species from 11 subfamilies of Acridoidea.
- The research was published in Zoo Botanica 01(2) 2023, pages 65-70.

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