Novotettix | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Orthoptera |
Suborder: | Ensifera |
Family: | Rhaphidophoridae |
Subfamily: | Macropathinae |
Genus: |
Novotettix Richards, 1966 |
Type species | |
Novotettix naracoortensis Richards, 1966
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Geographic distribution of Novotettix |
Novotettix is a monotypic genus of cave cricket/ wētā in the family Rhaphidophoridae [1] endemic to south-east Australia. [1]
The genus Novotettix was first described by Aola M. Richards in 1966. [2] The genus is closely related to the Tasmanian genus Micropathus. [3]
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]
Novotettix naracootensis is an opportunistic feeder, foraging on a variety of vegetation, fungi and invertebrates, as well as on vertebrate carcasses. [2] It has also been observed exhibiting cannibalism, with adults consuming both juveniles and deceased individuals. [2]
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]
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]
Novotettix | |
---|---|
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
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 |
Novotettix is a monotypic genus of cave cricket/ wētā in the family Rhaphidophoridae [1] endemic to south-east Australia. [1]
The genus Novotettix was first described by Aola M. Richards in 1966. [2] The genus is closely related to the Tasmanian genus Micropathus. [3]
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]
Novotettix naracootensis is an opportunistic feeder, foraging on a variety of vegetation, fungi and invertebrates, as well as on vertebrate carcasses. [2] It has also been observed exhibiting cannibalism, with adults consuming both juveniles and deceased individuals. [2]
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]
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]