Eyprepocnemidinae

(Fig.10)

Geographical Distribution: Pakistan (Ahmed 1980; Wagan 1990; Wagan and Solangi, 1990; Mazhar 1993; Wagan & Baloch 1997; Tokhai, 1996; Yousuf, 1996; Suhail et al. 2000; Wagan & Sultana 2013; Sultana 2020)

Comments

The subfamily is widely distributed over Africa, southern and eastern Asia, and the Mediterranean, including the coasts of Spain, Italy, Greece, North Africa, Caucasus and Turkmenistan (Dirsh 1958). Currently, there are twelve described species in Pakistan, with most of them being collected from grasses, herbs, and shrubs. However, notable exceptions include Eyprepocnemis alacris, Choroedocus illustris, and Heteracris littoralis, which are found in cultivated sugarcane, maize, and jowar fields, where they are considered minor pests. Some economically significant species belong to the genera Eyprepocnemis, Heteracris, Cataloipus, and Jagoa (Rowell & Hemp 2017). Curiously, COPR (1982) lists a surprising range of plants attacked by E. plorans, spanning various grasses to cassava (Manihot), which is typically considered chemically defended against most herbivores. Choroedocus pallens is restricted to Balochistan. Eyprepocnemis rosea, easily recognizable by its small size and rose-colored hind wings, is confined to hilly regions Malamjabba (Swat) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Murree in Rawalpindi (Punjab). Choroedocus illustris is widely distributed in Punjab and Azad Kashmir. It is interesting that no individual was captured from Gilgit-Baltistan. Heteracris littoralis, E. alacris alacris, and E. alacris impicta were collected from all provinces of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir. However, the last one was not reported from Punjab. The distribution of H. persa earlier reported from Quetta, Khuzdar and Nushki by Grunshaw (1991) but during this expedition we are unable to collect it from Baluchistan. Tylotropidius varicornis occurs in the mountainous areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. Choroedocus robustus is only restricted to Sindh and Punjab. At present, Cataloipus cognatus has been reported from low elevations in Sindh (13m- 50m) to high altitudes in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (1321m) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (871m). Two females were previously recorded from Sindh (Wagan & Sultana 2013). However, one taxon, Cataloipus thomasi is an endemic species in the southern Arabian Peninsula, specifically known only from the Dhofar region. According to Popov (1980), it is related to C. oberthuri from central-east Africa.