Sphingonotus rubescens (Walker, 1870)

Usmani, Mohammad Kamil, 2008, Studies on Acridoidea (Orthoptera) with some new records from Fezzan, Libya, Zootaxa 1946, pp. 1-41 : 34-35

42. Sphingonotus rubescens (Walker, 1870)

Diagnosis: This species is very similar to S. caerulans and has been misidentified as S. caerulans but it can be separated from the latter by its more developed median carina on the vertex, comparatively shorter prozona, metazona more rounded behind, comparatively much longer tegmina and wings, distinctly curved discoidal vein, strongly approaching apically to radial vein. Its clear hind wings are sometimes tinged blue.

Habitats: As a rule, this species also lives in desert or semi-desert region. This species is considered as minor pest of crops. Barley, wheat and grasses are recorded as host in Saudi Arabia ( Abu Yaman, 1972).

Material examined: Al Shati region: Brack, 1 ♂, 1 ♀, on ground, 10.iv.1993. Ghat region: Ghat, 1 ♀, on ground, 18.vii.1995 . Murzuk region: Al Qatrun , 1 ♂, 2 ♀, on ground, 15.v.1993 . Sebha region: Samnu , 1 ♀, around light, 17.vii.1994 ; Sebha, 4 ♀, on vegetable, 8.vi.1994 .

Localities: Cyrenaica: Agedabia, Ain Dona (Ain Doua), Arkenu, Augila, Cufra, Gialo, Giarabub, Libyan desert, Port Bardia ; Tripolitania: Gharian, Hamada el hamara, Mizda, Scegga, Uadi Marsit, Uadi Soffegin; Fezzan: Al Qatrun, Brack, Ghat, Samnu, Sebha, Tibesti, Uadi tenezzuft .

Distribution: Canary is., Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Sahar, Libya, Hoggar, Tibesti, Egypt, Greece, turkey, Crete, Sinai, Syria, Palestine, Iran, Baluchistan, Kashmir, India, Pakistan (Peshawar), Volga, Kazhakstan, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan, Mouretania, Rio de Oro, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Maderia, Europe, S.W. Asia.

Remarks: This is very widespread species. Widely distributed in desert part of Libya and North Africa. Earlier recorded from Libya by Salfi (1928, 1930a,b, 1934, 1935b), Capra (1929) and La Greca (1958). This species was reported from Fezzan by Salfi (1935a).