The concealed copulatory structures of the Pyrgomorphidae (Orth. Acridoidea): Part I. General introduction

The mainly tropical and subtropical acridoid family Pyrgomorphidae includes over 140 genera grouped in 30 tribes. The present work serves as a general introduction to a comparative morphological study of the phallic structures, female subgenital armature and receptacula seminis of every tribe and almost every known g-enus and subgenus. A general accottnt and literature review in respect of the acridoid phallic complex are given and the special features of the Pyrgomorphidae are discussed. An attempt is made to homologize phallic terminology throughout the Acridoidea. A synopsis of the phallic characters of the Pyrgomorphidae in general is given. A general account and literature review are also given in respect of the female subgenital armature and receptaculum seniins of the Acridoidea, with special reference to the Pyrgomorphidae. In discussing the receptaculum seminis, different orthopteroid orders are considered with particular reference to the bifid or paired nature of the organ and the varous modifications as they occur throughout the group. The paired condition is believed to be primitive in Dictyoptera, Isoptera and Orthoptera, s. str. In the last order, parallel variations exist within the suborders Ensifera and Caelifera, particularly Pyrgomorphidae. The homologies in the receptaculum seminis throug-hout the different families of Acridoidea are discussed and a hypothetical generalized form of the organ is illustrated. Terminology is reviewed and revised for both subgenital armature and receptaculum seminis. Synonymic glossaries of the terms adopted in the present studies for both male and female genitalic structures in the Pyrgomorphidae are given. For the most part the terms used are generally applicable throughout the Acridoidea, although there are a few structures that are peculiar to Pyrgoinorphidae. Some structures found in other groups are absent in Pyrgomorphidae.