CONTRIBUTION TO THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF GRASSHOPPER FAUNA (ORTHOPTERA, CAELIFERA) AND SOME BIO-ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF SPECIES IN THE CONSTANTINE REGION (EASTERN ALGERIA)

Abstract

 The inventory of the grasshopper and locust fauna in the Constantine region (Eastern Algeria) revealed the presence of 30 species, divided into four families, Acrididae, Pyrgomorphidae, Pamphagidae and Acrydiidae. Among these families, we found that Acrididae is the best represented one with eight subfamilies. Subfamily Oedipodinae is the largest, consisting of 10 species. The subfamilies of Catantopinae, Truxalinae and Pyrgomorphinae are represented by only one species each. The value of the Shannon Weaver index (3.7 bits) shows that the grasshopper population is more or less diverse, as the Equitability value (0.89 bits) shows how this species is in balance. The species Anacridium eagyptium, Acrotylus patruelis patruelis, Pezotettix giornii and Ocneridia volxemii appear to be of economic importance in the region of Constantine, Algeria.