Paratettix subpustulatus (Walker, 1871)

Paratettix subpustulatus (Walker, 1871) View in CoL

Figs 130 View Figure 130 , 131 View Figure 131

References for Socotra.

Krauss 1907: 17, 18, 29 [as Paratettix scaber ]; Uvarov (in Uvarov and Popov (1957)): 366 [as Paratettix sp. ]; Wranik 2003: 318, plate 154 [as Paratettix sp. ]; Massa 2009: 55–56; Devriese et al. 2023: 524–526.

Diagnostic notes.

Members of Tetrigidae are amongst the smallest grasshoppers in the world. A long and pointed projection of the pronotum covers their abdomen. Tegmina are reduced to small, scale-like structures placed on the side of the body, while the hind wings are fully developed and can be very long, even projecting beyond the apex of the pronotum (Fig. 130 View Figure 130 ). Nymphs can be separated from adults by the absence of tegmina and an uninterrupted keel over the hind femora at the knee level.

Paratettix species are characterised by a median carina of the pronotum ending just before it reaches the anterior margin of the pronotum. So far, Paratettix subpustulatus is the only tetrigid that occurs in the Archipelago. It can be separated from other members of the genus by its pale brown hind tibia without dark rings, straight borders of the middle femora and a straight carina on the hind femora ( Devriese et al. 2023).

Taxonomic notes.

The identity of the taxon present on Socotra has long been unclear. Hendrik Devriese identified Tetrix specimens collected by Bruno Massa in 2008 as Paratettix subpustulatus , a widespread African species (Devriese in Massa 2009). Devriese also identified our specimens collected in 2009 as belonging to the same species (H. Devriese in litt.). In their revision of the African Tetrigini, Devriese et al. (2023) confirmed the identity of the Socotran tetrigid as P. subpustulatus . Other than the specimens examined by Devriese (Massa’s and our material), the specimens mentioned in the material examined section have only been superficially examined by us.

Distribution and occurrence.

P. subpustulatus is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara, Madagascar, the Comores and Socotra ( Devriese et al. 2023). On Socotra, it is common, but because it prefers moist habitats, it is mainly restricted to the eastern half of Socotra (Fig. 131 View Figure 131 ).

Habitat and biology.

On Socotra, it can be found on moist soil, in wadis and wetlands, from 25–1450 m a. s. l. In 2009, the species was common along a stream in Wadi Ayhaft, in vegetation dominated by Plantago amplexicaulis . Records are from all seasons.