Functional Morphology of the Thorax of Schizodactylus monstrosus (Drury, 1773) (Orthoptera: Schizodactylidaf) as an Adaptation to Burrowing Mode of Life

Abstract

Schizodactylus monstrosusis is a large sized orthopteran with limited world distribution. Their distribution within India is very restricted and they can be treated as one of the threatened species. It is a nocturnal and burrowing insect. In order to suit the burrowing mode of life it has well adapted its body structures. The thorax is the second (middle) tagma of an insect body and truly an amazing and interested part of the insect body. It is almost exclusively adapted for locomotion and flight containing three pairs of walking legs and two pair of wings. Structural modification make this animal the unique member of the family Schizodactylidae. Large well developed legs and wings are able to perform their function due to the specializations that have come about in thorax due to the influence of the legs and the wings.