A higher classification of the Australian Acridoidea (Orthoptera). I. General introduction and subfamily Oxyinae

Abstract

The Australian Acridoidea display a great diversification of mainly endemic genera within a very few major groups. The ranking of these on a world basis is regarded as inflated and a general downgrading is proposed, making appropriate use of the tribal category. The status and composition of the Oxyinae is examined in detail in relation to the Hemiacridinae; three tribes, Oxyini, Praxibulini and Spathosternini, are recognised and their component Australian genera specified.