Acoustic communication is well developed in acridid grasshoppers. Especially species of the subfamily Gomphocerinae display elaborate stridulatory behaviour. Their stridulatory apparatus consists of a row of cuticular pegs at the inside of each hindleg and an enhanced vein of the elytra. Species specific acoustic signals are produced by rhythmically rubbing the hindlegs against the elytra. The video demonstrates the stridulatory apparatus of Omocestus viridulus L. (Saltatoria, Acrididae) and shows the different leg movements and song types of the animals in their natural habitat. |