Management and conservation dilemmas surrounding a near-threatened grasshopper, aularches miliaris linn. (orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) in South India

Abstract

The world is facing severe biodiversity loss and agencies worldwide are attempting to stem this threat. However problems arise when a rare or threatened species is also an agricultural or medical pest. In this paper we discuss the case of Aularches miliaris, the spotted coffee grasshopper. This species exists as several subspecies across south Asia, perhaps representing local genetic adaptation. It is polyphagous and a minor agricultural pest, and is usually managed via insecticides and egg-bed destruction. For much of its range, populations appear healthy and are not threatened. In contrast, within the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot in south India, A. miliaris is sparse and listed as Near-Threatened. In this area the insect is an occasional minor agricultural pest. Considering its local rarity, versus its abundance in other geographic areas, we recommend that in south India A. miliaris needs to be conserved at the present time. During localized outbreaks, we recommend that A. miliaris be managed via mechanical collection of nymphs and adults, and destruction of egg pods, rather than intervention using insecticides.