An ecological survey of Acridoid grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria

Abstract

An ecological survey of acridoid grasshoppers was conducted in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria from January to November 2001.  A total of 34 taxa distributed in 3 families, 12 sub-families and 27 genera were encountered.  The family Acrididae had the highest number of species (28), followed by pygomorphidae with 5 species.  The family Tetrigidae was represented by only one species.  Several species showed ecological plasticity and were found in all the locations while many others showed ecological restriction.  Two new species, Dorunia chloronota (Acrididae) and Adeletia aleareca (Tetrigidae) were recorded in this study.  The species composition, diversity and density of the acridoid grasshoppers in this study were fewer than those recorded in the middle belt and Northern Sahel Zones.