TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF FEMALE SUBGENITAL PLATE IN SOME INDIAN GRASSHOPPERS (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDOIDEA)

Comparative study of female subgenital plate was made on thirty-one species representing twenty- nine genera belonging to the families Pyrgomorphidae, Catantopidae and Acrididae and its taxonomic significance is shown. Presence or absence of glandular pouches of Comstock and Kellog; rudimentary or well developed condition of egg-guide are considered as distinct family characters. Presence or absence of Jannonefs organs and setae on posterior margin of subgenital plate is regarded as stable character for separating the subfamilies. Shape ofposterior margin and presence of setae on whole posterior margin or confined to lateral margin only are suggested as useful generic characters. Flat or concave, smooth or dentate condition of ventral surface of the plate are used for separating various species of the genus Oxya. Length and shape of egg-guide is taken as specific character