Brachytrupes membranaceus (Drury, 1773) and B. megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae): two species compared

The authors compare the stridulations of Brachytupes membranaceus (Drury, 1773) and Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) (Orthoptera Gryllidae), two burrowing sabulicolous crickets which coexist in the contiguous areas of their respective ranges and which, although easily distinguishable morphologically, show remarkable eco-ethological similarities. The sound spectrograms of the two species are here analysed and it is highlighted how the stridulations produced by the males to recall the females do not seem species-specific as they are mutually accepted as a signal of recall for the partner. Is hypothesized that the forms morphologically described in the literature as intermediate between the two species may be hybrids. This work was presented in 6th International Congress on Biodiversity “Biodiversity and the new scenarios on alien species, climate, environment and energy” held at the University Territorial Center of Trapani (Italy, Sicily) (2–3 September 2022).