Altitude Patterns and Temporal Dynamics of Orthopteran Diversity in the Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi

Purpose To describe the altitude patterns and temporal dynamics of Orthopteran diversity in the Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi (hereinafter referred to as “Damingshan Reserve”).

Methods According to the vertical characteristics of vegetation in Damingshan Reserve, Malaise nets were set up at seven sampling points at different altitudes to collect Orthopteran regularly. The species were classified and identified through literature review, and the diversity was analyzed.

Results There were 155 species belonged to 19 families in Damingshan Reserve, of which five new families and 21 new species were recorded. Tettigoniidae was the dominant group with the highest number of individuals, diversity index and richness index. The individuals number of Orthopteran increased first and then decreased with the increase of altitude. At an altitude of 1110 m, the individuals number was the largest, and the diversity index and richness index were 0.96 and 3.27, respectively. Orthopteran individuals number reached its peak in August, and the diversity index and richness index were 1.36 and 4.80, respectively.

Conclusion Altitude and time affect the distribution of Orthopteran in Damingshan Reserve. The results of the study supplement some new record families and species, and provide basic data for the conservation of Orthopteran biodiversity in Damingshan Reserve.