Novelties on field crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) from Argentine Patagonia: First record of Gryllus (Gryllus) argentinus Saussure, 1874 and a new species of Miogryllus Saussure, 1877

Abstract

Orthoptera are insects that have been widely studied in Argentina and worldwide. However, some groups such as the suborder Ensifera, have received less attention, and their knowledge is scarce. This work reports the presence of the genus Miogryllus (Saussure) in the Chubut Province for the first time (this being the southernmost distribution of the genus), describes a new species for science, and expands the distribution of Gryllus (Gryllus) argentinus (Saussure) to this province. Although about a third of the material studied came from the biogeographic province of Patagonia, it is interesting that both Miogryllus patagonicus sp. nov. like G. (G.) argentinus were exclusively found in sites belonging to the Monte desert, to the east of Chubut Province. Furthermore, all sites where M. patagonicus sp. nov. was collected were characterized by the absence of sheep activity for at least 10 years or by the implementation of environmental remediation strategies. This work represents a valuable contribution to understanding the distribution pattern of the Gryllidae family in Argentine Patagonia and has the potential to enhance current conservation strategies for these fragile ecosystems, as these insects could be good indicators of environmental changes.