Taxonomic and ecological observations on katydids (Conocephaline: Tettigonioidea) in the arid zones of Bahawalpur division, Punjab, Pakistan

Conocephalinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigonioidea: Ensifera) are primarily phytophagous insects, some of which are known to cause substantial damage to commercial crops. In addition to their agricultural importance, many conocephaline species exhibit ecological associations with forest biosensors and display diverse behavioral adaptations, including predation, mimicry, and camouflage. The Cholistan desert, located within the Bahawalpur division, is characterized by its distinct xeric insect fauna adapted to arid environments. Despite its ecological significance, the Conocephalinae of this region have remained largely unstudied. The objective of the present survey was to assess the diversity and seasonal abundance of Conocephaline katydids in the Bahawalpur division. Over a 12-month collection period (2022-2023), a total of 697 specimens were recorded and identified, belonging to six species: Euconocephalus incertus Walker, 1869; E. pallidus (Redtenbacher, 1891); E. mucro de Haan, 1842; E. nasutus Thunberg, 1815; E. indicus (Redtenbacher, 1891); and one species of Conocephalus (Anisoptera) maculatus Le Guillou, 1841. This investigation represents the first systematic documentation of Conocephaline katydids from the arid zones of the Bahawalpur division.