Two cases of gynandromorphism in bush-crickets of the tribe Barbitistini (Ensifera, Phaneropteridae) from Bulgaria
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| Year of publication | 2008 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | During the summer 1998, the author made an excursion to the Bulgarian mountains Belasica, Pirin and Rila, where many interesting species of orthopteran insects were caught. One of the most interesting experience was a record of two cases of gynandromorphism in bush-crickets of different species, never observed by the author before (and also after) this excursion. The first case of gynandromorphism was observed on 28.vii.1998 in Ancistrura nigrovittata. Specimen was caught in Belasica Mts., near the border fencing with Greece, and it was documented by the means of camera just after killing, because of the possibility of hiding the live animal in the dense bushy vegetation. The photograph shows imago of the green form, with left side of the body showing female characters and right one with male characters. Ovipositor – one half only – was slightly deformed, and couple of eggs was present inside the abdomen. The individual and the eggs are separately preserved dry in the author’s collection. The second case of gynandromorphism was observed on 30.vii.1998 in Poecilimon orbelicus. Specimen was caught in Pirin Mts. on the locality “Vlaška čerkva”, where one male and one female individuals and the habitat were documented by the means of the camera. The gynandromorphous imago has again left side of the body showing female characters and right one with male characters. Ovipositor (one half only) was slightly deformed, too. Individual is preserved dry in the author’s collection and photo-documentation has been made just for the purpose of the current presentation. |