Fauna, Zoogeography, and Ecology of Orthoptera in Turkmenistan

Abstract

Fauna of Orthoptera in Turkmenistan includes 179 species belonging to 93 genera and 12 families. Zoogeographically, it is a combination oflocal endemics (21%), Turaniim (27.5%), Mediterranean (24%), Paleo tropical (17%), as well as Iranian and European-Siberian species. Lowland Turkmenistan is occupied by the Turanian zoogeographic province, whereas mountains of Kopetdagh and Kugitang belong to the Turkmeno-Iranian and Ghissaro-Tien-Shan mountain provinces, respectively. A few species of Grylloidea and Acridoidea in Turkmenistan are serious agricultural pests and have potential for mass reproduction (especially the Moroccan locust, Turanian prus, and oasis prus). Although the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is not a permanent inhabitant of Turkmenistan, it can invade from Iranian territory. Several species of Tettigonidae and Acrididae are rare endemics of Turkmenistan or are found in threatened habitats and therefore require special protection.