The song ofMetrioptera azami(Finot) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae), and new localities for the species

Abstract

French specimens of Metrioptera azami are recognized by the morphology of the tenth tergite and titillators in the males, and the sub-genital plate and ovipositor in the females. The non-resonant song is usually a prolonged ‘buzzing’ which is heard during the day-time. The closing hemisyllables are 8–16 ms in duration (at 20°C), while the opening hemisyllables are 3–7 ms. Where the hemisyllable durations decrease, the intervals between them increase; the result is that the diplosyllable period remains fairly constant at 26 ms. The main frequency band of the song is 7–16 kHz. The distribution and specific status of M. azami is briefly reviewed. Several new localities near Montpellier, Hérault, S. France are given.