The genus Ectadia (Orthoptera: Phaneropteridae: Phaneropterinae) in East Asia: description of a new species, comparison of its complex song and duetting behavior with that of E. fulva and notes on the biology of E. fulva

Abstract

The genus Ectadia is an East Asian genus of the tribe Elimaeini (Phaneropterinae) and is known for the complex stridulatory files of its members. The calling song was so far known from only one species, the relatively widespread Ectadia fulva. Here a new species from Yunnan, China, is described, which is morphologically similar to E. fulva except for the stridulatory file. In this character E. fulva deviates strongly from the new species and from all other Ectadia species by its high tooth number. The long lasting song (duration 30 to 60 seconds at 25°C) of the new species is very complex and differs widely from the much shorter song of E. fulva. Its spectral composition changes during stridulation. In the new species the females respond acoustically during gaps in the final part of the male song, whereas in E. fulva they answer typically after the male song. During mating Ectadia fulva males transfer small spermatophores without spermatophylax. All of its six nymphal stages are cryptically colored. In karyotype the new species being the first studied Ectadia species is similar to the related genera Elimaea and Ducetia (all 2n=29 chromosomes in the male).