Variation in the song of the bush cricketPlatycleis albopunctata(Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)

Abstract

Individual variation was examined in each song parameter of the decticine bush cricket P. albopunctata. Each individual has a characteristic song within the species-specific limits. These limits are defined by the range of variation encountered which may, for many song parameters, be considerable, even within 1 population. The extent of variation in the spectral parameters implies broad-band reception in these bush crickets. The implications of such variation for the generation of song is discussed. Some notes on temperature-dependent variation are included, among which are data showing a hitherto unreported change in the number of syllables in the chirp according to ambient temperature.