Sigaus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Orthoptera |
Family: | Acrididae |
Genus: |
Sigaus Hutton, 1897 |
Species | |
Sigaus australis |
Sigaus australis
Sigaus campestris
Sigaus childi
Sigaus homerensis
Sigaus minutus
Sigaus piliferus
Sigaus obelisci
Sigaus takahe
Sigaus villosus
The genus Sigaus is endemic to New Zealand and with all but one species endemic to the South Island. Sigaus piliferus is currently the only representative of the endemic grasshopper genera found in the North Island. There are eight species with this genus.
The genus Sigaus is easily distinguished from other genera within this family in New Zealand by the distinctive structures of the male genitalia. The epiphallus lophi are saddle-like in shape with the mesal protuberance of the lophus having a smooth, rounded outline. These structures are internal of the male genitalia.
The taxonomy of New Zealand endemic grasshoppers was substantially revised by Bigelow in 1967. This review was mostly based on the female genitalia.