Male genitalia in some Indian species of Acridoidea (Orthoptera)

Male genitalia of fifteen Indian species of grasshoppers representing fifteen genera belonging to nine subfamilies and three families of Acridoidea was studied. the taxonomic significance of supra anal plate, subgenital plate, aedaegus and epiphallus has been evaluated. Presence or absence of dorso-lateral appendages and oval sclerites on epiphallus; divided, undivided or flexured condition of aedeagus, presence or absence of gonopore process on aedeagus are considered important characters for separating various families; smooth or toothed condition of the apex of male cercus, shield or bridge-shaped condition of epiphallus; presence or absence of ancorae on epiphallus, long or short condition of valves of aedeagus are taken as stable characters for separating various subfamilies. shape and length of basal and apical valves of aedeagus, broad or narrow condition of bridge, mono, bi-and trilobate condition of lophi of epiphallus, shape of male supra-anal plate and subgenital plate, are suggested as useful generic characters. shape of male cercus, apical valve of aedeagus, shape and size of ancorae are taken as specific characters.