Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy

Studies on the Biology of the Grasshopper Pest Zonocerus Variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) in Nigeria: 1911–1981

Observations on the biology of three species of Nigerian millipedes

Investigations have been carried out, both in the field and in the laboratory, into certain aspects of the biology of three species of millipede ( Spirostreptus assiniensis, Oxydesmus sp., and Habrodesmus falx ) which commonly occur during the rainy season in the Ibadan area of Western Nigeria. The feeding, mating, egg‐laying, and moulting habits of the three species are described. A detailed description is given of the nest‐building habit of the larvae of Oxydesmus sp. The elaborate nests which are built primarily for moulting also protect the larvae during the dry season when moisture conditions become unfavourable. Swarming behaviour, uncommon in millipedes, is shown by the larvae of H. falx . This behaviour which appears to be of survival value to the species is described.

Notes on the biology of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) in Sierra Leone

An account is given of the habitat, seasonal occurrence, breeding biology and food of 103 species of Acridoidea in Sierra Leone. Some comparisons are made between East African and Sierra Leone populations, a relation is indicated between size and number of annual generations and food is considered in relation to habitat and head length.