Abstract

The genus Aiolopus has prevailing position among the band winged grasshopper family Acrididae, exhibits definite food preference and some degree of selectivity to certain categories of plants. This selectiveness significantly effects on their reproductive activities. A comparative laboratory study was conducted on two sub-species, namely Aiolopus thallasinus thalassinus and A. thalassimus tumulus. A rearing was conducted on selected five food plants. The total number of matings was recorded; however, five in A. thalassinus thalassinus and four in A. thalassimus tumulus. Low preference of plant food significantly affected the number of matings. The prolonged copulation was noted on Sorghum bicolor followed by Triticum aestivum and mixed diet while, short copulation was noted on Cynodon dactylon. Moreover, the number of eggs per pod was also affected by the food preference, i.e., A. thalassinus thalassinus laid more eggs per pod on S. bicolor and A. thalassinus tumulus on T. aestivum. While both lay less eggs per pod on C. dactylon. Mated females were different from unmated female in weight and size. Significant difference in the weight gain was observed on favorite host plant as compared to less favorite host plant. Female shows more weight gain on Saccharum officinarum. However, no significant gain in the weight of mated and unmated male was recorded with respect to food plant. This study provides the base line data for pest controlling activities about food preference and their effects on reproductive activities of important pests of cash crops.