Orthopteran Insects (Insecta: Orthoptera) of the Surkhandarya Region, Uzbekistan
Abstract
In various agrocenoses and adjacent natural landscapes of the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan, a total of 54 species of orthopteran insects belonging to 38 genera were identified. In natural landscapes, 28 species were recorded, while cotton and maize fields each harbored 24 species, orchards 19 species, a mung bean (legume) field 18 species, and wheat fields 12 species. Orthopteran species diversity and abundance in agrocenoses peaked in June and August. Notably, three gregarious locust species- the Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus), the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), and the Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus) - were present in the agrocenoses. The occurrence of these swarming pest species necessitates continuous monitoring of their populations to prevent outbreaks.