Coptotettix annandalei, Hancock, 1915

Subedi, Madan, 2022, A new genus and a new groundhopper species from Nepal (Orthoptera: Tetriginae Skejotettix netrajyoti gen. et sp. nov.), Zootaxa 5205 (1), pp. 35-54 : 51

Coptotettix annandalei ( Figure 12A–H )

Previous records. Chaubas, Kabhrepalanchok ( Bey–Bienko 1968); near Nagarkot, Bhaktapur ( Balderson & Yin 1987); east of Pokhara, Kaski; Mugling Bazar, Chitwan; Jugedi, Chitwan; Gaidacamp, Chitwan ( Ingrisch 1987)

New record. NEPAL • 1 ♂ ( Figure 12E, F ), 1 ♀ ( Figure 12C, D ); Gandaki Province, Gorkha District, Gandaki Rural Municipality, Ghyalchok , Churlingtar ; 27.80822 o N, 84.71922 o E; 460 m a.s.l; 24 Jun. 2021; M. Subedi leg.; Subtropical Sal forest; collected by hand | NEPAL • 1 ♂ ( Figure 12G, H ), 1 ♀ ( Figure 12A, B ); Gandaki Province, Gorkha District, Gandaki Rural Municipality, Ghyalchok , Bhottar khola ; 27.80547 o N, 84.72615 o E; 445 m a.s.l; 28 Mar. 2022; M. Subedi leg.; Rain fed stream amidst subtropical Sal forest; collected by hand .

Discussion. The morphology of the specimens observed agrees with the original description of Coptotettix annandalei . Two different variations in color as mentioned in the original description were also observed: dark grey in the individuals from the rainy season of monsoon ( Figure 12C, D, E, F ), and paler grey marked with light yellow on the pronotum and hind femora in the individuals from the dry season prior to monsoon ( Figure 12A, B, G, H ). These forms are well adapted to match the surrounding colors which provide a degree of protection against potential predators and may be considered as wet season and dry season forms.

Figures

FIGURE 12. New records Coptotettix: A-D—C. annandalei adult ♀ in natural habitat; E-H—C. annandalei adult ♂ in natural habitat; I-K—C. coniopticus adult ♂ in captivity; L-N—C. coniopticus adult ♀ in natural habitat. (Note: Images differ in scale and are not calibrated as most are shot in the wild)