Novotettix
Genus of insects
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Novotettix is a monotypic genus of cave cricket/wētā in the family Rhaphidophoridae[1] endemic to south-east Australia.[1]
| Novotettix | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Orthoptera |
| Suborder: | Ensifera |
| Family: | Rhaphidophoridae |
| Subfamily: | Macropathinae |
| Genus: | Novotettix Richards, 1966 |
| Type species | |
| Novotettix naracoortensis Richards, 1966 | |
| |
| Geographic distribution of Novotettix | |
Taxonomy
The genus Novotettix was first described by Aola M. Richards in 1966.[2] The genus is closely related to the Tasmanian genus Micropathus.[3]
Morphology
Novotettix naracootensis is adapted to living in caves. It is wingless[4] and can reach up to 18 mm (0.71 in) in length.[1] It lacks auditory tympanal organs [4] and does not make noise with its hind legs.[5] It is brown in colour, making it inconspicuous in dark caves.[4][6] Additionally, it has long antennae that extend up to five times the length of the body.[2][7]
This genus exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males.[1] However, males have longer antennae than females.[1]
Diet
Distribution
This genus is restricted to low-elevation limestone caves in the south-east of Southern Australia in the region of Naracoorte.[1][3] Populations can co-occur with bats[1] but numbers are lower where forest has been removed around cave entrances and/or where there is high human activity.[2]
Behaviour
Novotettix is a nocturnal subtroglophile.[6][7][8] It exhibits a bimodal locomotor rhythm,[9] being most active around one hour after sunset.[2][9] During the evening these cave crickets move down from the roof and walls of the caves to feed on the floor and at the cave entrance.[2] Eggs are laid in the roof of the cave.[2]