Host Plant Determination of Brachytrupes megacephalus Lefebvre, 1827 (Orthoptera, Grillinae) Using Faeces Analysis in the Region of Oued Righ (Algerian Sahara)

Abstract

In the southeast of the algerian Sahara (Touggourt), the host plant determination of Brachytrupes megacephalus was studied by faeces analysis (microscopic observations). The experimentation was conducted in mid August until the end of September 2014. The main results of faeces analysis showed that the plants consumed by B. megacephalus belong to 8 families: Arecaceae (Phoenix dactylifera), Apocynaceae (Nerium oleander), Asteraceae (Chrysanthemum), Myoporaceae (Myoporum sandwicense), Plumbaginaceae (Armeria maritima), Rosaceae (Prunus armeniaca), Solanaceae (Solanum lycopersicum) and Triochylaceae (Cherry fantasia and White Kristina). Phoenix dactylifera is the most preferred host species by the adults of Brachytrupes megacephalus, with a consumption rate 85,87%.