﻿A review of Gryllidae (Grylloidea) with the description of one new species and four new distribution records from the Sindh Province, Pakistan

﻿Abstract Seventeen species of the family Gryllidae were reviewed and a Modicogryllussindhensis is described herein as new. Four species, namely Achetahispanicus Rambur, 1838, Gryllusseptentrionalis F. Walker, 1869, Callogryllussaeedi Saeed, 2000, and Miogryllusitaquiensis Orsini & Zefa, 2017 are recorded as new country and state records. Differences between similar species and a taxonomic key to the species of Sindh are provided.


Introduction
Crickets are representative of superfamily Grylloidea with six (four families: Myrmecophilidae, Gryllotalpidae, Mogoplistidae and Gryllidae) Baissogryllidae Gorochov, 1985, Gryllidae Laicharting, 1781, Mogoplistidae Costa, 1855, Phalangopsidae Blanchard, 1845, Protogryllidae Zeuner, 1937and Trigonidiidae Saussure, 1874 (Cigliano bent beneath the body to minimize the possibility of breakage and to occupy a smaller area. The abdomen was dropped below the wings and not obscured by the hind legs. Fully dried specimens were preserved in insect cabinets with labels providing collection date, habitat, locality, and collector's name. Naphthalene balls (C 10 H 8 ) were placed in boxes to prevent the attack of ants and other insects. Specimens were identified through the bibliographies given by Riffat and Wagan (2015), and Orthoptera Species File (OSF) (Cigliano et al. 2020) was consulted.
Photographs of the various species were prepared. Line drawings were made with a camera lucida fitted on a microscope (Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany 545187) and these were improved with the help of the softwares Adobe illustrator CC-2015 and Adobe Photoshop CS.
Measurements of various body parts were calculated in millimetres (mm) using the microscope (Oculas), 10 × 10 graph, compass, divider, and ruler. Abbreviations used in the text are as follows.

LH
Length of head; LF Length of femur; LP Length of pronotum; LT Length of tegmen; LT Length of tibia; LT length of tarsus; TBL total body length; TN Tag Number; SEMJ Sindh Entomological Museum Jamshoro.
Species distributions were mapped using latitude and longitude information for available sites of species. The material (TN: 802 SEM) has been deposited in Sindh Entomological Museum Jamshoro (SEMJ), Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Pakistan.  Description. Medium size, pubescent and deep. General colouration light fulvous or testaceous (Fig. 1A). Head brown with two variables extending testaceous bands ( Fig. 2A, B). Pronotum adorned with two large brown bands (Fig. 4A, B). Elytra extending to the apex of abdomen. Wings usually larger than the elytra (Fig.8A, B). Legs yellowish with a few brown spots. Posterior tibia armed with eleven spines on the basal side (Fig. 6A, B. Ovipositor large and acute.
Remarks. Acheta domesticus is generally recognised as the house cricket, cosmopolitan in nature. The presence of this species was reported by Chopard (1969) from Himalayas, Srinagar, and Kashmir, at 6000 ft a.s.l. Previously, Ghouri (1961) stated that A. domesticus and other species were severe pests of many crops in Pakistan, and Malik (2012) also stated it from human habitation. At present we have recorded this species from Chachro (25.1156°N, 70.2557°E). We have collected large numbers of specimens from agricultural fields and confirm that it is a pest of various crops.  -08  33  03  19  23  -11  Gryllus septentrionalis  ---01  -----Gryllodes sigillatus  02  09  18  24  -13 05 Description. Rather large and robust, colouration brownish-yellow (Fig. 1C). Head blackish with shining occiput (Fig. 2C). Pronotum unicolourous, concave, very slightly widening; anterior and posterior margins almost straight with numerous spots (Fig. 1C). Elytra extending to the apex of abdomen, mirror small, obliquely transverse (Fig. 8C). Wings long. Legs pale yellowish with numerous hairs. Tibia with eleven pointed spines on either side (Fig. 6C). Abdomen yellow, pubescent. Cerci well developed, pointed.
Male: LH 2.17 (mm), LP 2.66 (mm), LT 13 (mm), LF 11 (mm), LT 08 (mm), LT 4.9 (mm), TBL 28 (mm).  Ecology. The species was recorded from Mithi. Usually, they are found in ditches of soil in rice fields. Weissman et al. (1980) reported that the adults seemed to appear in August but were abundant mid-August to September with a decline observed in October.
Remarks. This species is a new record from Sindh, Pakistan, and also for Asia. The body is wide and robust in structure compared to the more widely distributed A. domesticus. In our collection only a single male was captured, so more extensive collections are needed to establish its complete distribution. Description. Large size, stout. Colour blackish. Head curved feebly at anterior; wider at posterior (Fig. 1D, E). Pronotum concave with piriform impression on anterior disc (Fig. 4D, E). Elytra reach to the top of abdomen, wings much long (Fig. 8D, E). Legs dark brown and strongly pubescent (Fig. 1D, E). Posterior femora rather thick, dark brown with rufous base; posterior tibia with eight spines on superior margin (Fig. 6D, E). Ovipositor rather long and slender, feebly curved with very narrow, smooth, acute apical valves (Fig. 1D, E).
Remarks. Gryllus bimaculatus is variable in size with colour variations. During this study we collected this species from dry parts of Nagarparkar and confirm its presence in dry barren areas. Chopard (1969) reported that G. (Gryllus) bimaculatus causes severe damage to potato plants.  Description. A large species, rather similar to G. (Gryllus) bimaculatus, but more rounded and curved (Fig. 1F). Head yellowish brown with patches and raised veins (Fig. 2F). Pronotum convex above, blackish brown with fine greyish pubescent; posterior margin sinuated; elytra extending to the apex of the abdomen (Fig. 4F), legs blackish testaceous with brown spots, pubescent. Posterior femora rather short and thick; posterior tibia armed with six spines on each margin (unfortunately broken of during photography). Abdomen brown, ovipositor long, slender with narrow, very acute apical valves (Fig. 1F).
Female: LH 4.6 (mm), LP 4.9 (mm), LT 18 (mm), LF 15, LT 13, TBL 29 (mm). Ecology. Tritium aestivum (wheat), Oryza sativa (rice), Sacharum officinarium (sugarcane), Echinochloa colona (cultivated field) are all affected by this pest. It seems rare in numbers, and not widely occurring like other species of Gryllidae. These specimens were collected from rice fields whereas other plants such as sugarcane and wheat were also present, but with minor damage.
Remarks. Due to its rare status and sporadic nature G. (G.) campestris is included in the red lists Hochkirch et al. (2007). It is flightless in its habitat of dune, short grasses, chalky soil, and light sandy porous soils. During our field survey we collected material from different districts. Our examination demonstrates that this species has morphological similarity to G. (Gryllus) bimaculatus but few differences in wing pattern and head morphology identifies each species. Description. Medium size, colouration rufous brown, rather strongly pubescent (Fig. 1G). Head long, rounded without any ornamentation. Face brown with yellow horizontal band; ocelli big, brown (Fig. 2G). Pronotum slightly enlarged in front, anterior margin feebly concave, posterior one pointed; disc convex, rufous with two large piriform impressions; lateral lobes with yellowish inferior part (Fig. 4G). Elytra brownish, reaching to apex of abdomen; dorsal fields with slightly oblique veins, rather projecting. Wings long (Fig. 9A). Legs pubescent; anterior and medium femora rufous brown; anterior tibia with large slender external tympanum; only internal face depressed. Posterior femora rather long, swollen. Tibia shorter than femora, armed with nine basal spines, four on joint of metatarsus (Fig. 6F). Abdomen brown; ovipositor moderately long, rather slender with very acute apical valves (Fig. 1G).
Ecology. Gryllus septentrionalis was collected from the village of Mahendrani, Umerkot in August.It was noted that this field was surrounded by Citrus (lemon) crops and other wild vegetation. This study suggests that extensive surveys are needed.
Remarks. This is the first record from the deserts of Thar, Sindh, Pakistan. According to Saeed (2000), this species of cricket occurs in terrestrial habitats throughout the world, and mostly damages cotton, rice, millet, and sugarcane crops. Due to their predatory nature, they are also helpful in biological control, but more detailed investigations are needed to identify this strategy in future. Description. Medium size, depressed, rather strongly pubescent (Fig. 1H). Head brown with wider, transverse yellowish bands on dorsal field; anterior narrow band curved between ocelli; face short, yellow; clypeus spotted with brown, front with feeble suture (Fig. 2H). Pronotum transverse with concave anterior margin; disc almost straight; yellowish with wide brown band along posterior margin and a more or less important spot of the same colour on the impressus (Fig. 4H). Elytra extending to 1/3 of abdominal tergite, truncated, rounded at apex; mirror quite apical, little wider than long, rounded posteriorly; wings reduced ( Fig. 9B). Abdomen brown in the male (Fig. 1H).
Remarks. Gryllodes sigillatus is cosmopolitan in nature. This species is generally known as the tropical house cricket or Indian house cricket because they are found everywhere, domestic in all tropical countries. Khan (1954) reported that it caused huge damage to textiles mills in India. During our field survey we observed that this species moves at dusk from the holes of a termite mound. However, this species is not termitophilous in nature like other insects; it does not live with the termites. Description. Medium size, yellowish brown (Fig. 1I). Head small, narrow at the anterior, slightly curved at posterior. Face short, yellow with spotted clypeus. Frontal suture feebly arched (Fig. 2I). Pronotum transverse, feebly concave at anterior (Fig. 4I). Female elytra equilateral, reduced, extending to the extremity of abdomen. Wings caudate (Fig. 9C). Legs pubescent, yellowish, with few brown spots. Anterior tibia perforated on the external face with a rather long, oval tympanum (Fig. 6H). Abdomen brown with triangular median line on dorsal field. Ovipositor long, straight with narrow lanceolate apical valves (Fig. 1I).
Ecology. Annandale (1924) reported that this species lives in crevices, mostly occurring in wood and frequently in holes of bungalows. During the present study, we collected this species from a stack of wood from Umerkot. Khan (1954) noticed that all females of Gryllidae deposit more than 150 eggs when temperatures are favourable, between 20-25 °C with the relative humidity of 80-82%. At present, only females were captured and is longer in total body length (20 mm) with the ovipositor ca. 15 mm compared to Chopards' (1969) report of total body length 12-15 mm and ovipositor 12-12.5 mm. This may be a geographical variant of the region; however, a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the taxa will be undertaken when more material will be collected.
Remarks. Earlier, this species was collected by Chopard (1969) from various localities of India, but his specimens were smaller in size. The elytra of this species are longer than those of Sigillatus, leading to the question of whether this species could be a macropterous form of the proceeding one. Considering the extreme reduction of the elytra of the female of Sigillatus, it seems difficult to admit the possibility of a return to fully winged form. However, future studies with more samples should resolve this problem.  Description. Medium to large size. Body pale brown (Fig. 1J). Head brown to dark with horizontal band at posterior margin. Ocelli dark brown (broken off while capturing photos). Pronotum dark brown, enlarged in front, its surface is rather strongly punctuated with numerous testaceous rufous spots (Fig. 4J). Female elytra extending to the apex of abdomen; elytral veins oblique, regularly spaced. Wings well developed with geometrical designs (Fig. 9D). Legs of the same colour as body; posterior femora moderately swollen, striated on external face; posterior tibiae armed with seven spines on each margin (Fig. 6I). Abdomen pale brown, yellowish beneath. Ovipositor long, slender (Fig. 1J).
Female: LH 2.1 (mm), LP 3.85 (mm), LT 08 (mm), LF 9 (mm), TBL 20 (mm). Ecology. Teleogryllus is commonly known as black field cricket. Species of this genus are reported as a serious pasture pest in Australia and the warmer northern regions of New Zealand (Banfield and Cottier 1948;Reynolds and Langton 1973;Mill 1978). They reported that each year black field crickets cause considerable losses in pasture production over the dry summer period when stock feed is short. The resulting bare areas in the pasture are then opened to weed invasion because the black field crickets consume only pasture seed.
During the present study we captured only a single female from Lolium perenne grasses, which is considered as perennial ryegrass pasture, the main feed for dairy cows in temperate regions. This study suggests that preference of crickets for perennial ryegrass may lead high risk of damage to cultivated areas of Pakistan.
Remarks. Until now 52 species of Teleogryllus were recorded by Cigliano et al. (2020). Gorochov (1985) reviewed the Teleogryllus species from Asia and established two subgenera. He moved T. occipitalis (Serville, 1838), T. emma (Ohmachi & Matsuura, 1951T. infernalis (Saussure, 1877), T. commodus (Walker, 1869), and T. oceanicus (Le Guillou, 1841) into the subgenus Brachyteleogryllus with T. occipitalis as the type species, and he moved T. mitratus and T. derelictus into the subgenus Macroteleogryllus with the first as type species. Gorochov (1988) established another subgenus, Afroteleogryllus, with T. clarus as its type species from Africa, and added a further two new species in 1990. Otte (2006) downgraded genus Cryncoides as a subgenus under Teleogryllus. The remaining species are still in the pool of the subgenus Teleogryllus without having been studied again. In China, these crickets are often confused, and different species names have been used, until Ma et al. (2015) distinguished them by their genitalia. However, these changes are mainly based on morphological studies without molecular evidence. Description. Head short with vertical pale and dark bands at posterior margin (Fig. 1K, L). Ocelli dorsal field with dark horizontal band (Figs 2J, 3A). Pronotum dark brown, more or less varied fulvous, with black inferior margin (Fig. 5A, B). Elytra extending to the second last segment of abdominal tergite, a little rounded at apex; dorsal field shiny brown with a narrow yellowish band along external and apical margins; mirror reduced and somewhat broad. Wing long, extending to apex of abdomen (Fig. 9E, F). Legs rather short, widened, yellowish, mottled with brown and covered with abundant brown pubescence in which are mixed long bristles. Tibia rather thin, longer than femora, armed with seven internal spines (Fig. 6J, K). Abdomen pale brown with dark coloured. Ovipositor long, straight, with feebly flattened, acute apical valves, (Fig. 1K, L).
Ecology. This species was reported from Nagarparkar. This area is surrounded by rock and fine sand. It was observed that due to burrowing habits this species uprooted many valued plants. This species is here reported from Cymbopogon commutatus which are perennial grasses and mostly used for medicinal purposes in the locality.
Remarks. This species is commonly known as black field cricket. Its powerful legs are used for jumping. This species has numerous white strips on the abdomen which make it different from the other species. Zalitschek et al. (2012) reported that they are omnivores in nature. However, dietary requirements are similar but perform different functions depending upon the sex of the specimen: females take a protein-rich diet for the production of eggs while, male requires it for producing mating calls to attract females.
Derivatio nominis. The specific epithet refers to collection of this species from Desert Thar of Sindh.
Depository. The type material (TN: 723 SEMJ) has been deposited in Sindh Entomological Museum, Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.
Remarks. The genus Modicogryllus was erected by Chopard (1961), within which he described four species from north-east part of India viz: M.semiobscurus (Chopard), M. ehsani (Chopard), M. rehni (Chopard), and M. minimus (Chopard). Our collected species has a brightly coloured body along with a shiny pronotum. The tegmina and wing show different patches on their entire surface. However, the shape, length, and other characteristics of the ovipositor make it different from the other species in the genus.
Ecology. This species was collected from the village Dahli Taluka Tharparkar Sindh, Pakistan. This species was reported from Larrea tridentate called the creosote bush. It is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with pointed leaves and a waxy coating. This plant has great medicinal value, recommended to cure fever, colds, stomach, pains, arthritis, and as a general pain killer; it is also used for cuts, and bacterial and fungal infections.
Global distribution. Libya, Algeria, Pakistan (Cigliano et al. 2020). Remarks. Reitmeier et al. (2012) reported this species from Corsica in humid places (except those that were recorded from Bonifacio and Filitosa in September 2010. They further identified the status of this species, its distribution, and life parameters. During our field survey we also noticed that this species occurs in humid places, but we were not able to study its life parameters.  Description. Medium size. Colouration brown (Fig. 1O). Head black bright and globous; whitish spot posteriorly containing scape and following inner margins of eyes, becoming punctuated with brown with white stripe before reaching occiput (Fig. 3D). Pronotum black with pubescence, dorsal disc wider than long, bristles on anterior and posterior margins; lateral lobes marked with antero-ventral whitish spot which becomes pale brown posteriorly (Fig. 5E). Elytra extending to two-thirds of abdomen, apical field well developed. Wing surpassing abdomen tip (Fig. 10B). Legs dark brown dorsally, whitish ventrally. Tibia armed with nine internal, four medio-internal spines (Fig. 7B). Abdomen black, sternites whitish. Cerci pale brown, short. Ovipositor long, slender, straight with lanceolate apical valves (Fig. 1O).
Ecology. This species was reported from Chachro, Nagarparkar on Encelia farinose roots. This plant is commonly known as the Brittle bush. It is a mediumsized, rounded shrub with long, oval, silvery grey leaves. The resin collected from this plant is used as glue (Hogan and Michael 2013); these authors also stated that Brittle bush treats toothaches. Some animals such as desert Bighorn sheep and Kangaroo rats eat its seeds.
Remarks. The pronotum of M. itaquiensis bears a whitish lateral lobe, while M. tucumanensis has the pronotum with uniform colouration. We collected a single female for the first time from Chachro, Sindh, Pakistan. However, more extensive surveys are needed to explore its distribution in the desert region.
Legs yellowish, strongly pubescent. Anterior tibia perforated with oval tympanum on external face. Posterior femora rather thick, brown with rufous base, posterior tibia armed with six long external, four various medio-internal spines (Fig.  7C). Abdomen yellow with dark spots on each tergite. Ovipositor long, straight, slender (Fig. 1P).
Ecology. This species was previously reported by Saeed (2000) from Triticum aestivum in Pakistan. We reported the female from Dactyloctenium aegyptium grasses.
Remarks. During this study, we have reported five females from Sanghar District which are a new record for Sindh province. Our thorough examination shows that this species is similar to C. ovilongus with the exception of a dark slanting band between the compound eyes, and the size of ovipositor: C. saeedi has a smaller ovipositor which is ca. 14 mm while C. ovilongus has a longer ovipositor, ca. 18-20 mm. In addition, the elytra of this female are quite different from those of C. ovilongus. Figures 1-11, Table 1 Material examined. Pakistan, Sindh Prov. • 4♀; Riffat, Surriya; 16 Sep. 2020; Nagarparkar 24.3572°N, 70.7555°E.
Ecology. During the present study, females of this species are reported from Nagarparkar, Desert Thar, from xerophytic plants which were surrounded by sagebrush and saltbush trees.
Remarks. This species was erected by Saeed (2000) from Peshawar, KPK based on a single female specimen; subsequently Malik et al. (2013) reported its male from the Hyderabad -Sindh. We have a single female from the rocky area of Nagarparkar and confirm its presence in the desert area. Figures 1-11 Description. Medium size. Colouration brown to yellowish (Fig. 1R). Head brown, short, dome-shaped with four yellowish vertical sutures (Fig. 3G). Pronotum brown, concave anteriorly while pubescent and convex posteriorly with longitudinal rufous bands on dorsal field (Fig. 5H). Elytra scarcely extending to apex of first abdominal tergite, slightly crossing at median line with internal oblique margin, apex rounded; dorsal field plain with straight veins at regular intervals; transverse veinlets very scarce; lateral field with four curved veins (Fig. 10E). Legs yellow, brownish at base, strongly pubescent, irregular bands on dorsal field. Posterior tibiae armed with eleven external, three medio-internal spines (Fig. 7D). Abdomen yellow to dark brown, longitudinal rufous bands on each side. Ovipositor very long, straight, apical valves with dark base (Fig. 1R).
Ecology. This species is recorded from wheat crops cultivated at Islamkot, Sindh. Weissman et al. (1980) observed that the hoppers emerged in the early days of June and continued to grow till mid-July. Adults were recorded from then to September. Peak period of species' occurrence was noted as mid-August to end of September. Thereafter, no individuals were observed in the field. High risk was reported to Triticum (wheat) crops from different areas of Islamkot, Sindh (reference).
Remarks. Chopard (1969) compiled a detailed account on this species: the head had the same pattern as C. ovilongus. The abdomen showed the longitudinal bands on both sides. The elytral length extended from the apex of the abdominal tergite. He calculated body length as 12 mm, pronotum 2.5 mm, elytra 2 mm, and ovipositor 9 mm. The collected specimens show variation in size as well as in other parameters, possibly due to geographical and feeding habitats. This species has unique characteristics, including the presence of a black band that runs from the pronotum where it makes a raised bulging cup-like structure; this black band covers the whole length of tegmen it follows a narrow straight line on the abdominal segments to the end of the last segment.
Ecology. This species was recorded for the first time from the village Ramalani, Umerkot, on the roots of Acacia nilotia locally known as "babul". This is a mediumsized, thorny, nearly evergreen tree found in the desert area. Generally, it grows to 20-25 mm but may remain shrubby in poor conditions. Our specimen was collected from a shrub. This tree provides limber, fuel, shade, food, dye, and gum, and it also impacts the environment positively through soil reclamation.
Remarks. Lepidogryllus has a very close morphological resemblance with Velarifictorus: the male has an enlarged round head with a swollen frons (Randell, 1964). Kim (2013) also reported the many similarities between these two genera. The species of these genera also have very significant variation in their morphometric parameters. Kim (2013) reported a body length of 14-15.2 mm in L. siamensis; we report a body length 11 mm. Description. Large size. Colouration light pale green to yellowish (Fig. 1T). Head short, narrow with dark brown ocelli (Fig. 3I). Pronotum flat, concave posteriorly (Fig. 5J). Elytra, transparent, extending to 2/3 of abdomen. Wings rounded, broad, with condensed irregular veins (Fig. 10G). Legs same colour as body. Femora long, thin, slightly wider at anterior and compressed at posterior. Posterior tibia thin, slender, armed with 21 external and three medio-internal spines (Fig. 7F). Abdomen pale yellowish. Ovipositor short. Cerci long with pointed ends (Fig. 1T).

Ecology.
Oecanthus fultoni is a new record from Umerkot, Desert Thar, Pakistan. This species is reported from Cynadon dactylon (common lawn grasses) surrounded by wild plants.
Remarks. Walker and Gurney (1967) observed differences between populations of this species from the coasts of western and eastern USA showing that O. fultoni displays variations in the structure of the metanotal gland.