Revision of the genus Praxibulus (Orthoptera : Acrididae)

Abstract

The genus Praxibulus is recharacterised. Twenty species are recognised, of which the following are new: lewisi, triquetrus, whitei, eurobodallae, hunteranus, laticrista, lophicus, queenslandicus, pallens, stali, tectatus, and uncinatus. All species are fully described, or redescribed. They are difficult to separate on external characters, especially in the female, but are for the most part well characterised on genitalia. Keys to males and females are provided. Phenetic relationships and possible phylogeny are discussed. Distributions are plotted and interpreted; there is extensive sympatry and no evidence of hybridisation. Homologies of certain genitalic features are examined in the light of published views, and some new terms proposed. Karyotypes are reported for four species; these are identical in their gross morphology, with 2n male = 23 telocentrics. The occurrence of rare intersexes is reported for four species; it is concluded that these represent males whose development has been deflected towards a female morphology as a consequence of parasitisation of the nymphs by fly larvae, probably Nemestrinidae.