Impact of Climate Change on Embryonic and Postembryonic Development of Conocephalus maculatus (Le Guillou) (Orthoptera : Ensifera : Tettigoniidae : Conocephalinae)

Development of Conocephalus maculatus under controlled environmental conditions was studied. In order to test whether the development of C. maculatus is influenced by environmental factors, it was bred in the laboratory under simulated environmental conditions. Water/moisture had an influence on embryonic development of C. maculatus as no eggs developed without water. No hatching occurred, when the eggs were incubated deprived of water for varied periods from 50 days to 12 months and then transferred to moist conditions. Results from this study revealed that C. maculatus does not sustain in drought conditions and does not undergo any egg diapause. They require constant access to water for the development till hatching. At controlled temperature of 24°C and 35°C, eggs hatched in 21-37 and 14-21 days respectively. At temperature fluctuating between 20°C to 30°C (Mean 28.6±1.7°C) the incubation period ranges between 16-26 days. It is also indicated that the embryonic developmental period is inversely proportional to increase in temperature. Both males and females pass through a 6 nymphal instar life cycle, with an average embryonic developmental period of 43.5±7.4 (range between 39-52 days) days. The duration of post-embryonic development is short (male 27-31 days; female 32-40days) in high temperature (35°C), but longer in low temperature of 25°C (male 40-49 days; female 48-55 days). From this study it is revealed that change in climatic factors will lead to change in growth and development of C. maculatus and it may be considered as an indicator species on climate change.