[Entomology • 2026] Luzonogryllus appa • Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus (Orthoptera: Phalangopsinae)

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo,

in Tan, Modina, Alo, Haibil, Mapi-Ot, Macas, Nuñeza, Yap, Damit, Japir, Chung et Robillard, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 

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Abstract

Recent field work in Sabah state of Malaysia in Borneo, as well as Mindanao, Negros and Siquijor Islands in the Philippines has led to the collection of crickets from the family Phalangopsidae. This allows us to review the taxonomy of Luzonogryllus Yamasaki, 1978 from the Philippines and Sabah. We also describe a new species from Mindanao: Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov. We also present new locality records for Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) mindoroensis Gorochov, 2006 in Negros and Siquijor Islands. Lastly, we also present new material of Strophiola lugubrina (Stål, 1877) from Mindanao and Negros Islands.

Malaysia, Orthoptera, Parendacustina, , Phalangopsini, Southeast Asia

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov.

MING KAI TAN, RIS MENOEL R. MODINA, JOANNA ROSE A. ALO, HELEN H. HAIBIL, EMMARIE F. MAPI-OT, JESSIE JAY P. MACAS, OLGA MACAS NUÑEZA, SHERYL A. YAP, DAYANG FAZRINAH BINTI AWG DAMIT, RAZY JAPIR, ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG and TONY ROBILLARD. 2026. Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus.  Zootaxa. 5777(1); 46-60. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 [2026-03-17]

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[Entomology • 2026] Xistra balinsasayaoensis • A New Species of the Genus Xistra Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Negros Island, the Philippines

 

 Xistra balinsasayaoensis

Patano, Skejo, Amoroso, Coritico & Kasalo, 2026

 jibs.modares.ac.ir 

 Researchgate.net/publication/400563499

facebook.com/RomeoPatano

Abstract

A new species of genus Xistra Bolívar, 1887, subgenus Xistra, from Negros Island, Visayas (the Philippines) is described here—Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. nov. (Balinsasayao’s horned pygmy grasshopper). It was first documented in May 2017 by an amateur photographer and was finally collected in October 2023. The species belongs to the subgenus Xistra due to its smooth pronotum with a low median carina and moderately high horns. There are now a total of six species of Xistra, three of which are members of the subgenus Xistra. The photographic records of living specimens and their microhabitats, including their bryophyte associates, are provided as well.

Graphical Abstract

 Keywords: Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Montane forest, New species, Oriental, Taxonomy

 Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. n. and its respective microhabitats (tree trunks covered with bryophytes), dorso-lateral views of live specimens. A. Male; B. Female.

Microhabitat of Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. n. in Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Negros Island. Specimens were observed.
A. Old-growth secondary forest perched on B. Tree trunks (Lauraceae) covered with C. Bryophytes (Neckeropsis sp. of the family Neckeraceae).

Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. nov. 

 

Romeo Jr. R. Patano, Josip Skejo, Victor B. Amoroso, Fulgent P. Coritico and Niko Kasalo. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Xistra Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) from Negros Island, the Philippines. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(1); DOI: 10.48311/jibs.12.01.67 https://jibs.modares.ac.ir/article_27966.html

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 Researchgate.net/publication/400563499_A_new_species_of_Xistra_from_Negros_Island_the_Philippines

 

[Entomology • 2025] Bolotettix adik • A New Species and Notes of some Pygmy Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Sabah

 

Bolotettix adik Tan & Muhammad,

Tan, Muhammad, Damit, Japir, Chung et Robillard, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.4.5  

 facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG 

Abstract

A recent orthopteran collection was conducted in Meligan and Maliau Basin, Sabah State (East Malaysia) in Borneo. We describe a new species of Bolotettix from Meligan: Bolotettix adik Tan & Muhammad, sp. nov. We also record Mazarredia (Prosoaltus) cephalica (Haan, 1843) and Falconius pseudoclavitarsis Günther, 1938 in Sabah and Tripetalocera ferruginea Westwood, 1834 in Maliau Basin for the first time. We also present colour variations of Bolivaritettix apterus (Rehn, 1904).

Orthoptera, Bolotettix, Borneo, new locality record, taxonomy, variations

 Bolotettix adik Tan & Muhammad, sp. nov. 

 

Ming Kai TAN, Amira Aqilah MUHAMMAD, Dayang Fazrinah Binti Awg DAMIT, Razy JAPIR, Arthur Y.C. CHUNG and Tony ROBILLARD. 2025. A New Species and Notes of some Pygmy Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Sabah. Zootaxa. 5683(4); 543-560. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.4.5 [2025-08-22]  

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[Entomology • 2024] Fartmanntettix undulatus • A New Genus and A New Species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, Philippines

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck,  

in Tan, Tumbrinck, Rivera et Nuñeza, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383790207

 

Abstract

A new genus and a new species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) is described from Mount Malindang in Mindanao, Philippines: Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. Tentatively, we classify this new genus under the tribe Trusmaditetrigini Storozhenko, 2023 consisting of eight genera (including the new genus described here). This new genus is characterised from other representatives of the tribe by the distinctly undulated and raised carinae on the pronotum and femora. A key to the genera of the tribe is also provided.

Orthoptera, morphology, pygmy grasshopper, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Trusmaditetrigini

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. ♂ holotype:
habitus in dorsal (A) and lateral (B) views. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. ♂ holotype:
face in anterior view (A); head and anterior half of pronotum in dorsal (B) and lateral (C) views; posterior half of pronotum in dorsal view (D); anterior (E) and middle (F) legs in external views; posterior femur in external (G) and dorsal (H) views; posterior tibia in external view (I). Scale bars: 1 mm.

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. 

Ming Kai Tan, Josef Tumbrinck, Rodrin R. Rivera and Olga Macas Nuñeza. 2024. A New Genus and A New Species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, Philippines. Zootaxa. 5506(2); 194-204. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.2.2 [2024-09-06] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383790207_A_new_genus_of_Cladonotinae_from_Mindanao_Philippines

[Entomology • 2024] Parahirrius gen. nov., Guentheracris gen. nov. & Zvierckia gen. nov. • Revision of the polyphyletic Genus Hirrius Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae), with Descriptions of Three New Genera and insights into antennal sensilla morphology

 Hirrius Bolívar, 1887
Parahirrius Skejo, Patano et Kasalo gen. nov. 
Zvierckia Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. 
Guentheracris Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. 

 in Skejo, Husemann, Patano, Tumbrinck, Pushkar, Pavlović, Mohagan, Pamin et Kasalo, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5524.1.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/385090947

  facebook.com/SkejoJosip  facebook.com/NikoKasalo6

 

Abstract

Discotettiginae were recently synonymized with Scelimeninae, but the polyphyletic genus Hirrius Bolívar, 1887, with five species endemic to the Philippines and Sulawesi, remained an unsolved issue. Besides similarly widened subapical antennomeres, head and pronotum, other traits suggest that Hirrius members belong to different subfamilies.

The genus is now split into four genera, with four new species. Hirrius (Tetrigidae: incertae sedis) now includes three species, one of which is new, all endemic to Mindanao, the Philippines: H. punctatus (Stål 1877), H. mindanaensis (Günther, 1938), and H. ruber Skejo, Patano et Kasalo sp. nov. A lectotype is designated for H. punctatus, because the type series was found to contain two different species belonging to two different genera. Three new genera are described. Genus Parahirrius Skejo, Patano et Kasalo gen. nov. (Tetrigidae: incertae sedis) consists of P. parvus Skejo, Patano et Kasalo sp. nov. and P. amorosus Skejo, Patano et Kasalo sp. nov., both endemic to Mindanao. Genus Zvierckia Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. (Scelimeninae: Discotettigini) includes Z. montana (Günther, 1937), comb. nov., Z. sarasinorum (Günther, 1937), comb nov., and Z. storozhenkoi Skejo et Tumbrinck sp. nov., all endemic to Sulawesi. Genus Guentheracris Skejo, Tumbrinck et Pushkar gen. nov. (Tetrigidae: “Asian Metrodorinae”) includes G. scrobiculata (Günther, 1937), comb. nov. from Sulawesi.

Subapical antennomeres of Zvierckia storozhenkoi sp. nov. and Phaesticus mellerborgi (Stål, 1855) were scanned for the first time and compared to Discotettix belzebuth (Serville, 1838). Zvierckia gen. nov. and Discotettix Costa, 1864, both Scelimeninae: Discotettigini members, share many features of the antennal morphology, such as many basiconic sensilla on the antennal margins giving the ridge a saw-like impression. On the other hand, antennae of Phaesticus Uvarov, 1940 contain many elongated placoid sensilla, which are fully absent in the subapical widened segments of Zvierckia gen. nov. and Discotettix.

Orthoptera, Scelimeninae, Metrodorinae, taxonomy, new taxa, new combinations, morphology, antennae, coeloconic field, basiconic sensilla, cuticular plates, elongated placoid sensilla

 

Josip Skejo, Martin Husemann, Romeo Patano Jr., Josef Tumbrinck, Taras I. Pushkar, Marko Pavlović, Alma Mohagan, Jan-Henrik Pamin and Niko Kasalo. 2024. Revision of the polyphyletic Genus Hirrius Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae), with Descriptions of Three New Genera and insights into antennal sensilla morphology.  Zootaxa. 5524(1); 1-61. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5524.1.1

Researchgate.net/publication/385090947_Revision_of_the_polyphyletic_genus_Hirrius_with_descriptions_of_three_new_genera  

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[Entomology • 2024] Storozhenkotettix, A New Genus of Trusmaditetrigini (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, with notes on Bolivaritettix

Storozhenkotettix gen. nov.
Storozhenkotettix amphinotoides comb. nov.

Patano, Skejo, Amoroso & Kasalo, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5453.4.8

 facebook.com/RomeoPatano

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Abstract

The Philippine archipelago houses an incredibly diverse biota, among which are 122 species of pygmy grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae). Many of them belong to genera without proper taxonomic assignment and some genera, e.g., Bolivaritettix are so speciose and ill-defined that working with them is practically impossible. Here, we make a step toward the resolution of these problems by describing a new genus, Storozhenkotettix gen. nov. for Bolivaritettix amphinotoides, resulting in a new combination, S. amphinotoides comb. nov. This species does not seem to be closely related to the type species of Bolivaritettix, but rather to Trusmaditetrix, which is a member of the tribe Trusmaditetrigini. We provide new records of S. amphinotoides comb. nov., together with photographs of living specimens and habitat descriptions. The species was observed along the edges of montane forests and in the disturbed parts within forests. It seems to prefer partially shaded humid habitats.

Orthoptera, Cladonotinae, Metrodorinae, Philippines, taxonomy, variability 

  

Storozhenkotettix gen. nov.

Storozhenkotettix amphinotoides comb. nov.

Romeo R. Patano Jr., Josip Skejo, Victor B. Amoroso and Niko Kasalo. 2024. Storozhenkotettix, A New Genus of Trusmaditetrigini (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, with notes on Bolivaritettix. Zootaxa. 5453(4);  577-586. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5453.4.8

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[Entomology • 2024] Phelene reinschmidti • A New Species from Ecuador with Notes on the Subfamily Lophotettiginae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae)

Phelene reinschmidti  Kasalo, Husemann & Skejo,

A. Regions where Phelene species have been found, red shapes represent type localities, star–P. reinschmidti, circle–P. turgida, triangle–P. maroon

in Kasalo, Husemann, van de Kamp et Skejo, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.124285

Abstract

Lophotettiginae Hancock, 1909, endemic to the Neotropics, is one of the most ill-known subfamilies of Tetrigidae. Until now, there have not been any hypothesis on its relationship with other subfamilies. Lophotettiginae comprise only two genera, Lophotettix Hancock, 1909 and Phelene Bolívar, 1906, both with an arduous taxonomic history. Here, we describe a new species, Phelene reinschmidti from Ecuador, and compare it with its congeners: P. turgida from Peru and P. maroon from French Guiana. We found the subfamily Lophotettiginae to most closely resemble the Neotropical subfamily Metrodorinae, meaning that the two are likely related. We also provide a 3D scan of the holotype, a first for Tetrigidae. The 3D model contains all the important taxonomic characters and much more data could be extracted in the future using artificial intelligence-assisted approaches.

Key Words: 3D scan, Neotropics, taxonomy, pygmy hoppers, grouse hopper

Phelene reinschmidti sp. nov.
A. Regions where Phelene species have been found, red shapes represent type localities, star–P. reinschmidti, circle–P. turgida, triangle–P. maroon;
B. Frontal view; C. Dorsal view; D. Ventral view; E. Abdominal apex in ventral view; F. Lateral view; G. Image of the 3D model we generated.

 Phelene reinschmidti Kasalo, Husemann & Skejo, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Easily separated from the congeners by the following set of characters: (i) median carina forming a low elongated crest which extends from between the prozonal carinae to the base of hind legs; (ii) vertex a little less than two eyes wide; (iii) brown body without distinct patterns; (iv) rounded pulvilli of hind tarsi; (v) female subgenital plate oval with moderately protruding triangular apex; (vi) alae dark brown with venation of the same color. Differs from P. maroon by characters iii, iv, v, and vi.

Etymology: The new species is named after Prof. Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt, the current director of the Karlsruhe Zoo for his dedication and investments in nature protection in Ecuador and around the world.

Niko Kasalo, Martin Husemann, Thomas van de Kamp and Josip Skejo. 2024. Description of Phelene reinschmidti from Ecuador with Notes on the Subfamily Lophotettiginae (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae). Evolutionary Systematics. 8(1): 119-125. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.124285

[Entomology • 2023] Caribbean Pygmy Jumping Leaves (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Cladonotinae: Choriphyllini)

Choriphyllum wallaceum Skejo, Kasalo & Yong,  

in Skejo, Yong, Bogić et Kasalo, 2023.

DOI: 10.3897/dez.70.98982

 x.com/Ske_Jo

 

Abstract

The tribe Choriphyllini Cadena-Castañeda & Silva, 2019 consists of only two genera, Choriphyllum Serville, 1838 and Phyllotettix Hancock, 1902b, combining leaf-like Caribbean wide-nosed pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae, Cladonotinae). The genus Choriphyllum has four species, C. bahamense Perez-Gelabert & Otte, 1999 from the Bahamas (Hummingbird Cay Island), and C. sagrai Serville, 1838, C. saussurei Bolívar, 1887 and C. wallaceum Skejo, Kasalo & Yong, sp. nov. from Cuba. The gender of C. bahamensis is changed to C. bahamense in order to match the grammatical gender of the genus, which is neuter. Silva’s designation of C. sagrai, the type species of Choriphyllum, as nomen dubium in 2019 was incorrect as Serville’s drawing clearly points to this species, endemic to Cuba, so nothing about its identity is doubtful. The genus Phyllotettix is endemic to Jamaica, where four species live: P. rhombeus (Felton, 1765), P. foliatus (Hancock, 1902a), P. compressus (Thunberg, 1815) and P. plagiatus (Walker, 1871), comb. nov. of Choriphyllum plagiatum. Choriphyllum westwoodi Hancock, 1902a, syn. nov. is synonymous with Phyllotettix rhombeus and not with P. compressus. A new subgenus is established, Phyllotettix (Rhombotettix) subgen. nov. for P. (R.) plagiatus comb. nov. and P. (R.) rhombeus. A new species complex, Phyllotettix (compressus) sp. complex nov. is established for two morphologically close species, P. compressus, and P. foliatus; while another new species complex, Choriphyllum (sagrai) sp. complex nov. includes C. sagrai and C. wallaceum sp. nov. An annotated key to genera, subgenera, species groups and species is provided.

Key Words: Alfred Russel Wallace, Bahamas, complex, Choriphyllum, Cuba, iNaturalist, Jamaica, new species, Phyllotettix, revision, species group, subgenus, synonym

Choriphyllum (sagrai) wallaceum Skejo, Kasalo & Yong, sp. nov.

 

Vernacular name: Wallace’s Cuban Dancing Leaf

“Choriphyllum seoanei”, not published “new species” by Bolívar (París 1994: 255). Taxonomic and nomenclatural history.

Etymology: Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the father of biogeography, modern evolutionary thought and a contributor to many fields of biology. The species name is a neuter gender adjective, second Latin declension, derived from Wallace, i.e. wallaceus, wallacea, wallaceum. The specific epithet celebrates the 200th anniversary of Alfred Russel Wallace birth (8 January 1823).

....

A new species complex, Phyllotettix (compressus) sp. complex nov.

 P. compressus, and P. foliatus; 

 A new species complex, Choriphyllum (sagrai) sp. complex nov. 

C. sagrai and C. wallaceum sp. nov. 

Josip Skejo, Sheyla Yong, Domagoj Bogić and Niko Kasalo. 2023. Caribbean Pygmy Jumping Leaves (Tetrigidae, Cladonotinae, Choriphyllini). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 70(1): 129-141. DOI: 10.3897/dez.70.98982

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[PaleoEntomology • 2019] Danatettix hoffeinsorum • The Last batrachideine of Europe: A New Genus and Species of Pygmy Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Eocene Baltic Amber

Danatettix hoffeinsorum

 Thomas, Skejo & Heads, 2019

 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4686.3.9

Abstract

A new genus and species of pygmy grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) is described from Eocene Baltic amber. Danatettix hoffeinsorum gen. et sp. nov. is assigned to the subfamily Batrachideinae based on antennae with more than 19 antennomeres, sulcate mesofemora, and rectangular paranota. This species is readily distinguished from other batrachideines by a markedly produced vertex, pronotum with divergent internal and external lateral carinae, and highly setiferous female lateral basivalvular sclerite with scabrose integument. The morphology of Danatettix suggests placement within the here defined Tettigidea genus group (comprising Eutettigidea Hancock, 1914, Paurotarsus Hancock, 1900, and Tettigidea Scudder, 1862) and suggests that the latter had diverged from the new Scaria genus group (comprising Eotetrix Gorochov, 2012, Rehnidium Grant, 1956 and Scaria Bolívar, 1887) by the Early Eocene.

Keywords: Orthoptera, Caelifera, Tetrigoidea, pygmy locusts, grouse locusts, groundhoppers, Cenozoic, Paleogene, Baltic amber, fossil insects

 Danatettix hoffeinsorum [holotype 1084-4]
 Dorsal oblique view;  Line drawing.

 (scale bar = 1 mm)

  

Danatettix hoffeinsorum gen. et sp. nov. 

 Danatettix hoffeinsorum
Fig 3. Ventral view of holotype 1084-4 (scale bar = 1 mm).
Fig 4. Close-up ventral view of ovipositor valvulae and subgenital plate of holotype 1084-4 (scale bar = 0.2 mm)

M. Jared Thomas, Josip Skejo and Sam W. Heads. 2019. The Last batrachideine of Europe: A New Genus and Species of Pygmy Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Eocene Baltic Amber. Zootaxa. 4686(3); 435–445. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4686.3.9

[Entomology • 2021] Tegotettix derijei • Horned and Spiky: A peculiar New Pygmy Grasshopper Species (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, Philippines

Tegotettix derijei

 Patano, Mohagan, Tumbrinck, Amoroso & Skejo, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4933.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/349428632

 facebook.com/JosipMarkovSkejo

Abstract

A new peculiar, spiky, and yellowish species of the genus Tegotettix Hancock, 1913 is described from the Davao region of the island of Mindanao (the Philippines)—Tegotettix derijei sp. n. (Mindanao horned pygmy devil). The species is visually similar to T. cristiferus (Günther, 1935) from Borneo and T. armatus Hancock, 1913 from Borneo, which is the type species of the genus, and of which a new record from Sabah is also presented in the study. The new species is also similar to an undescribed species from Bukidnon, which we presented by photographs in its natural habitat. To date, T. armatus was known only from old descriptions and drawings and has not been reported for more than 100 years. A brief overview of the species of the genus Tegotettix, with its division into three species groups, is presented.

 Keywords: Orthoptera, taxonomy, endemism, groundhopper, convergence, Xistra, Scelimeninae, island, the Philippines

  

Romeo R. Jr. Patano, Alma B. Mohagan, Josef Tumbrinck, Victor B. Amoroso and Josip Skejo. 2021. Horned and Spiky: Tegotettix derijei sp. n. (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) is A peculiar New Pygmy Grasshopper Species from Mindanao. Zootaxa. 4933(2), 198-210. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4933.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/349428632_Tegotettix_derijei_a_new_species_from_Mindanao

 facebook.com/JosipMarkovSkejo/posts/10224228687574446