DefinePK

Abstract

The current study presents a comprehensive morphological and ecological comparison of two orthopteran species, Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Gryllodes supplicans (Walker, 1859), collected from multiple agroecological zones in Sindh Province, Pakistan. A total of 431 male and 357 female A. domesticus and 282 male and 240 female G. supplicans were examined. Detailed morphological assessments revealed species-specific distinctions, with A. domesticus exhibiting a larger body size and more robust morphological traits compared to G. supplicans . Females of both species were consistently larger than males. Particularly, A. domesticus developed faster, completing its life cycle in approximately 56.7 days, while G. supplicans required around 81 days, suggesting differential life history strategies. Reproductive analysis indicated that G. supplicans follows an r-selected strategy, characterized by high fecundity and a 92% hatching rate, while A. domesticus exhibits traits consistent with K-selection, including higher larval survival and broader environmental tolerance. Thermal and humidity tolerance studies showed that A. domesticus survived across a wider temperature range (15-30°C), whereas G. supplicans preferred narrower, more stable tropical conditions (25-35°C; 60-90% RH). Longitudinal monitoring revealed that G. supplicans exhibited faster population growth, while A. domesticus maintained steady population levels, reinforcing their respective adaptive strategies. These findings emphasize the ecological flexibility of A. domesticus and the reproductive efficiency of G. supplicans , offering valuable insights into species distribution, pest potential, and environmental adaptability. This comparative study enhances our understanding of orthopteran life history evolution and has implications for integrated pest management in agroecosystems under shifting climatic conditions.