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J. Env. Bio-Sci., 2018: Vol. 32 (1):125-135 ISSN 0973-6913 (Print), ISSN 0976-3384 (On Line)

VARIATION IN POPULATION DENSITY AND BIOMASS OF GRASSHOPPERS (INSECTA:

ORTHOPTERA) IN NANDA DEVI BIOSPHERE RESERVE (NDBR), WEST HIMALAYA, INDIA
Kishor Kumar1*, P.C. Joshi2 and Vinod Badoni2
1
G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Himachal Regional Centre, Mohal-
Kullu, 175 126, Himachal Pradesh
2
Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences,Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
[Corresponding author*: kishrokkothari5@gmail.com]

Received: 10-09-2017 Accepted: 12-10-2017

Estimation of population density and biomass of grasshoppers (Orthoptera) from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) was
carried out during 1998-2000. All the selected sites fall within the buffer zone of NDBR and representing to Chamoli Garhwal
administrative district of Uttarakhand State. Across the selected study sites, a total of 14 species of grasshopper belonging to 14
genera of 02 families were recorded. Among the recorded Orthopteran, Acrididae was the most dominant family with 8 species
and 8 genera followed by Tettigonidae with 6 species and 6 genera. Maximum numbers of grasshopper's species diversity,
population density, and biomass were recorded from the study sites located between low to mid altitudinal area and comparatively
low diversity, density and biomass of grasshoppers were recorded from the study sites located in the high altitudinal area.
Conocephalu maculates (Le. Guillou) is the only species among the tettigonids reported from higher altitudinal sites. The Acridid
grasshoppers were diverse in their distribution among all the sites; expect the Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby), Spathosternum
Prasiniferum, Prasiniferum Walk and Gastrimarques transversus Thun. Across the years, it's observed that the diversity, population
density, and biomass of the grasshoppers are highly influenced by seasonal pattern, weather, and climate of the study sites.
Generally, higher density and biomass values of the grasshoppers were recorded during the rainy season while minimum values
of density and biomass are recorded during the winter season.
Key Words: Population density, Biomass, Grasshoppers

The insects are the most diverse component of the dynamic
ecosystem by providing multiple services (Miller, 1993). The
presence or absence of insects is important to the distribution,
abundance, and diversity of plants. Order Orthoptera includes
short-horned and long-horned grasshoppers, crickets, and
grouse locusts. These insects range from sizes less than 5
mm to 115 mm. Grasshoppers are one of the most important
components of the terrestrial ecosystem. Collectively
Grasshoppers provide a wide range of environmental and
ecological services by supporting other predators and parasites
in the natural food chain. There are about 1033 species/
subspecies of grasshoppers belonging to 400 genera and 21
families recorded from India. Some grasshoppers are distinctive
in nature and cause serious damage to various wild and
agricultural crops (Joshi et al.1999). They are also important
components of the food chain for many birds and mammals
(Capinera et al. 1997, Mayya et al. 2005), The land use
management practices severely affect the grasshoppers'
natural habitat, population dynamics and several trophic levels
linked in the food chain (Capinera et al. 1997). Detailed
investigation on species composition, population density,
NAAS Rating (2017)-4.43
abundance and biomass of grasshoppers and other insects
from various habitats (grasslands, forests, agriculture system)
from the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere have been carried
out (Rigert 1972, Bhatnagar and Pfadt, 1973, Janzen, 1973,
Riegert and Varley, 1974, Dempester, 1975, Gage and Mukerji,
1977, Vats and Singh, 1978; Evans et al. 1983; Rottman and
Capinera, 1983; Kaushal and Vats, 1983; Vats and Mittal,
1983; Kaushal and Vats, 1984, Pfadt, 1984, Grayson and
Hassall, 1985, Sanchez and Liljesthrom, 1986, Kemp and
Onsager 1986, Kaushal and Joshi, 1988, Joshi, 1989, Kemp
et al. 1990, Kaushal and Johsi 1991, Vats and Mittal, 1991,
Van Wingerden et al. 1992, Singh and Yadav ,1993,
Muralirangan et al., 1993, Isern-Vallverdu, 1993, Kruger and
McGovin, 1997, Joshi et al. 1999, Bolger et al. 2000).
Effect of altitudinal variation on species diversity and population
structure of grasshoppers and other insect and related
arthropods across the world under diverse habitats and
ecosystems have been undertaken by Alexander (1951),
Alexander and Hilliard (1969), Janzen and Schoener (1968),
Claridge and Singhrao (1978), Wolda (1978), Kemp (1992),
IsernVallverdu et al (1993), Nagy et al. (1998),Wettstein and
 KUMAR, JOSHI AND BADONI (126)

Schmid (1999), Kumar (2001), Badoni (2001), Cigliano, et al.
(2002), Liu et al. (2007). The abiotic factors such as climate
and weather as well as yearly seasonal patterns severely affect
the populations density, abundance and breeding and
reproductive success of grasshoppers (egg, nymph, and adult
formation) in various ways ( Edwards, 1960; Janzen and
Scoener, 1968; Mulkern, 1970; Janzen, 1973; Bhatnagar and
Pfadt, 1973; Mulkern, 1980; Begon, 1983; Evans et al. 1983,
Gupta et al. 1983, Grayson and Hassall, 1985, Nummelin,
1996, Kemp and Onsager, 1986; Capinera, 1987; Capinera
and Thompson 1987; Capinera and Horton, 1989; Kemp et al.
1990, Miller and Onsager, 1991, Van Wingerden et al. 1992,
Kazakova and Sergeev,1993, Belovsky and Slade, 1995, Schell
and Lockwood, 1997, Vedham and Muralirangan, 1999; Skinner
and Child, 2000 and Karpakakunjaram, et al., 2002).
Significant account of work regarding the inventory and
taxonomic composition of grasshoppers from North Western
Himalaya lying in the States of Uttarakhand and Himachal
Pradesh has been carried out (Mani 1968, Julka et al. 1982,
Bhowmik and Halder 1984, Tandon and Shishodia 1995,
Shishodia, 1997, Mehta et al. 2002, Shishodia et al. 2003).
Realizing the various ecological importance of grasshoppers,
present study has been proposed with following objectives: to
assess the species composition, population density, and
biomass of grasshoppers (Orthoptera); ii. to assess the
monthly and seasonal fluctuation of density and biomass and
iii. to assess the effect of climatic condition/abiotic factor
(temperature) on density and biomass of grasshopper species.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study area: The study was conducted in the selected
study sites in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), a
UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Northern part of
West Himalaya, India (Figure 1). It has a large altitudinal range
(1,800-7,817m asl) and covers an area of 6,407.03 km 2. The
unique topography, climate, and soil support diverse habitats,
species, communities, and ecosystems. The reserve is known
for rich native and endemic diversity of flora and fauna. Four
study sites (3 hectares each) were selected within the biosphere
reserve representing different habitat, altitude, and disturbance
regime to understand the effect of ecological attributes on
density, biomass, and species composition pattern of
grasshopper species. A detailed description of selected sites
has been given in Table 1.
Density and biomass of insects: The population density of
Grasshoppers was assessed by Sweep sampling method
(Gadagkar et al. 1990). The collected grasshoppers were
transferred into bottles containing ethyl acetate soaked cotton.
All the specimens were brought to the laboratory; preserved
and subsequently got identified with reference to collections
in the Entomology divisions of the Zoological Survey of India
(ZSI), Kolkatta and Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI),
New Delhi as well as with the help of Beeson (1941), Tandon
and Shishodia (1995); Shishodia (1997). The study was

Table 1: General features of the selected study sites in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve as recorded during
study period

Parameters( Altitude Annual Annual Major vegetation types

(m) Temperature Humidity range
range ( 0 C) (%)
Reni 2000 3-26 20-88 Cupressus torulosa, Lyonia ovalifolia, Rumux hastaus,
Hippophae salicif olia, Demodium elegans, Apluda mutica,
Cynodon dactylon and Cannabis sativa
Lata 2450 3-26 18-70
126126
Cedrus deodara, Aesculus indica, Juglens regia, Pyrus pashia,
kk 126
Colquhonia coccinea, Berberis aristata, Caragana versicolor,
Cotoneaster microphyllus
Tolma 2800 3-24 23-67 Cedrus deodara, Cupressus torulosa, Berberis aristata, B.
kumonensis, Arundinaria, Artemisia nilagarica, Thalictrum
126126126h
j pauciflorum, Sporobolus sp. and Apluda mutica.
Dronagiri 3500 1260.5-18 22-75 Artemisia nilagarica, Pinus wallichiana, Betula utilis, Taxus
baccata, Cirsium wallichi, Anaphilis contrata
(127) VARIATION IN POPULATION DENSITY AND BIOMASS OF GRASSHOPPERS

conducted on monthly interval during 1998-2000. The density
of insects was expressed as a number of individuals/hectare.
For the estimation of biomass, collected individuals of the insect
were stretched, pinned and oven dried at 600C for 72 hours.
After oven drying, each individual of insects was weighed along
with entomological pin in a single pan electric balance (0.01
mg accuracy). The average weight of the pin 8(n=20) used in
the specimen was subtracted to get the true biomass of the
insects (Joshi 1989). Each sampling year was divided into 03
seasons i.e., winter (November, December, January, and
February), summer (March, April, May and June) and rainy(
July, August, September and October) respectively.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Across the selected study sites in NDBR, a total of 14 species
of grasshopper (Orthoptera) belonging to 14 genera of 02
families were recorded during the study period. Among the
recorded Orthopteran, Acrididae was the most dominant family
with 8 species and 8 genera followed by Tettigonidae with 6
species and 6 genera. Maximum numbers of grasshopper
species were recorded from the study sites located in the low
altitudinal area and the minimum number were reported from
high altitudinal area (Table 2). The Conocephalu maculates
(Le. Guillou) is the only species among the tettigonids reported
from higher altitudinal sites.The Acridid grasshoppers are diverse
in their distribution among all the sites; expect the
Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby), Spathosternum prasiniferum
Prasiniferum Walk and Gastrimarques transversus Thun.
Density and biomass of grasshoppers: Biannual
observations on the density and biomass of the grasshoppers
indicated a strong monthly variation among the study sites.
Population density and biomass were highly influenced with
the increase of altitude (Figs. 2 and 3). During both the years
minimum density and biomass values were recorded from
Dunagiri study sites located in the highest altitudinal area while
maximum density and biomass values of Orthoptera were
recorded from the Lata and Reni study sites located in the low
and mid altitudinal range (Figs. 2 and 3). Across the study
sites, generally higher density values were observed in the
months of August and September while the lowest range of

Table 2: Species composition of Grasshoppers (Orthoptera) among the selected sites in NDBR
Abbreviations used: S1: Reni, S2: Lata, S3: Tolma, S4: Dunagiri, +: species present, -: species absent
S.N. Taxonomic Groups 1998-1999 1999-2000
Family : Tettigonidae S1 S2 S3 S4 S1 S2 S3 S4

1. Phaneroptera gracilis Burmeister. + - + - + - - -

2. Conocephalu smaculatus(Le. Guillou - + + - - + + -
3. Himertula kinneri (Uvarov) + + - - + + - -
4. Letana linearis (Walker) - + - - - + - -
5. Elimea sp. + - - - + - - -
6. Mecapoda sp. + + - - + + - -
Acrdidae
7. Oedipoda himalayanaUvarov. + + + + + + + +
8. Aulacobothrus leutipusWalker + + + + + + + +
9. Paraconophyma scabra Walk + + + + + + - +
10. Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby) + + + - + + + -
11. Spathosternum Pr. PrasiniferumWalk + + + - + + + -
12. Gastrimarques transversusThun. + + + - + + + -
13. Pternoserita cincfifemur Walk. + + + + + + + +
14. Chorthipus sp. + + + + + + - +
Total 12 12 10 5 12 12 7 5
 KUMAR, JOSHI AND BADONI
both density and biomass were observed in the months of
March during both the years. No insect activities were recorded
during the months of January and February among all the study
sites. This pattern also indicates the finding of higher density
and biomass values in the rainy season while lowest values of
density and biomass of the grasshoppers in the winter season
(Figs.1 and 2).
Seasonal effect on diversity, density and biomass of
grasshoppers: In both the study years, seasonal and climatic
variation highly influenced the diversity, density and biomass
of the grasshoppers in the study area representing to temperate
to the sub-temperate forest of high altitude biosphere reserve
due to the extreme variation of the climatic variables i.e.,
temperature, humidity, rain and snowfall. Generally, higher
density and biomass of grasshopper were recorded during
summer and rainy season across the selected study sites
Fig.1: Variation in the total density (ind/ha) and Biomass (mg/ha) of the Grasshoppers
(Orthoptera) from NDBR (1998-1999).
due to abundant food resources for the larval and adult
kk
grasshopper species and comparatively declined trend of
density and biomass were recorded in winter season due to
the scarcity of grasshoppers food resources during the dry
128128128h
j
winters in both the sampling years 1998-2000 (Figs. 4, 5, 6 and
7). 128
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Across the study sites, the biomass of the grasshopper
significantly increased with the increase of density. In the
present study, significant positive correlations (Figs. 3a-d) have
been found between the density and biomass of the
grasshoppers in Reni (r = 0.97, P<0.01, n =12), Lata (r = 0.89,
P< 0.01, n = 12), Tolma (r = 0.94, P < 0.01, n = 12) and
Dronagiri (r = 0.98, P < 0.01, n = 12) (Figs. 3 a-d). During both
the years minimum values of density and biomass of
grasshoppers were reported from Dunagiri study site while
higher density and biomass values were reported from the
Reni and Lata site. This may be attributed to the availability of
minimum number of grasshoppers food plants in the lower
density and biomass area while availability abundant plant
food resources in the higher valued density and biomass related
study sites.
Effect of temperature on density and biomass of
128128
grasshoppers: During both the years generally density and
128
biomass of grasshoppers significantly increased with the
increase in the environmental temperature of the sampling sites.
Across the year, increasing trend (higher values) of density
and biomass of grasshoppers were reported with increasing
temperature of respective study sites. Similarly decreasing
trend of the density of biomass of grasshopper was observed
(129) VARIATION IN POPULATION DENSITY AND BIOMASS OF GRASSHOPPERS

with decreasing environmental temperature of the study sites 12,000 ft (9sp.) over 12,000 ft ( 3 sp.). These findings also
(Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7). indicate that the higher diversity of grasshoppers are confined
in low to mid altitudinal area while declining in the diversity of
The diversity and abundance of grasshoppers are closely
grasshoppers is observed with increasing altitude of the study
associated with the vegetation types, habitat quality, altitudinal
area. Other studies from different locations and habitats dealing
range, seasonal and climatic variation in a particular area. In
with grasshoppers diversity, population density, body size and
the present study, species diversity of grasshoppers ( Acrididae
body mass in relation to altitudinal gradients have also revealed
and Tettigoniidae) exhibits a high variation with the altitude of
a high species diversity, density and body size, at low and
the study. Generally increasing patterns of grasshoppers
mid elevations and a decreased diversity toward the high
diversity was observed with decreasing altitude. Maximum
elevation (Alexander and Hilliard, 1951, Dearn, 1977, Claridge
diversity and abundance of grasshoppers were reported from
and Singhrao, 1978; Wettstein and Schmid, 1999), The pattern
the lower and middle altitude and the comparatively sharp
of higher species diversity and abundance at mid-altitudinal
decline in the diversity and abundance grasshoppers were
range for grasshoppers, which is similar to the pattern in other
observed at higher altitudes among the selected study sites.
arthropods (McCoy, 1990; Brehm and Fiedler, 2003, Chatzaki
The findings of the present investigation were also supported
et al. 2005; Almeida-Neto et al. 2006; Brehm et al. 2007).
by the finding of various pioneer and recent workers on
More recently many workers also reported increasing patterns
altitudinal range wise variation in diversity, abundance, body
of the grasshopper and other insect's species diversity and
size and body mass of grasshoppers under various ecosystems.
abundance at lower to middle elevations (Wolda, 1978, Yalim
As an utmost pioneer workers, Alexander and Hilliard (1969)
and Ciplak, 2002, Ciplak et al. 2008, Sirin et al. 2010). In the
reported 94 species of Orthoptera belonging to Mantidae (2

Fig.2: Variation in total density (/ha) and biomass (mg/ha) of the Grasshopper
(Orthoptera) from selected sites of NDBR (1999-2000)

sp); Phasmidae, (1 sp); Tetrigidae, (4 sp.) Acrididae (73 sp);
Tettigoniidae, (8 sp.) Gryllacrididae (3 sp.); Gryllidae (3 sp.)
along with diverse altitudinal ranges of 1,530 m to above 4,265
m in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
The altitudinal range wise occurrence of 94 species follows:
5-6,000 ft (71 sp), 6-7,000 ft ( 49sp), 7-8,000 ft ( 34 sp), 8-
9,000 ft (25 sp.), 9-10,000 ft (19sp.); 10-11,000 ft (15sp.), 11-
present finding, it was seen that both the population densities
and biomass of the grasshoppers remain high in the rainy
season and lowest values of density and biomass are recorded
during the winter season. The climatic conditions in the rainy
season provided a most optimal condition for the growth and
development of grasshopper populations. Similarly, the winter
season of the high land area provided an abruptly adverse
 KUMAR, JOSHI AND BADONI (130)

condition for the growth and survival of grasshopper population. density were also reported (Bhatnagar and Pfadt, 1973 and
Dempster (1975). Masaki (1967); Janzen and Scoener (1968);
The population dynamics showed a significant and direct
Janzen (1973); Gage and Mukerji (1976); Vats and Mittal
correlation with the temperature (Figs.4, 5, 6 and 7). As the
(1983) have reported a great seasonal variation in abundance,
abiotic conditions of winter season progressed towards the
diversity and body size of many orthopterans and other insects
cool and dry side, the dryness of soil and wind naturally exerted
groups. In other insect groups, many workers also reported
their resultant effect on the phenology and texture of the ground
an increasing trend of density and diversity during the rainy
vegetation. This also indicates the significant effects of
season and declined value was reported in the winter season.
temperature and humidity on the availability of food resources
Spitzer et. al. (1993); Spitzer et.al.(1997) reported best
between summer and rainy season for the growth, survival,
seasonal occurrence and preference of butterflies from
and abundance of grasshoppers. Kaushal and Vats (1984)
Vietnamese Savana during wet and dry seasons. Spitzer et
also reported higher values of density and biomass of
al. (1993) also reported the most characteristic seasonal
grasshopper (Aulacobothrus strictus Bolv) and sharply declined
pattern of butterfly abundance in the monsoon climate from
values for both were reported during winter season. Variation
Vietnam. Similarly increasing pattern of relative abundance
of temperature adversely affected density of grasshopper
and biomass of ground-dwelling arthropods during the months
species. During extreme winter period (December - February)
of late May to November was also reported from Ocala National
and summer (May - June), minimum values of grasshoppers

1400
1600 y=73.49x
y=72.90x
R 2=0.952 1400 R 2=0.765
1200
Biomass (mg/ha)
1200
Biomass (mg/ha)

1000
1000
800 800
600 600
400 400
200 200
0
0
0 5 10 15 20
0 5 10 15 20
Density (ind/ha)
Density (ind/ha)

a. Reni b. Lata

1400 y=89.80x 600

2= y=82.65x
R 0.885
1200 500 R2= 0.958
Biomass (mg/ha)

Biomass (mg/ha)

1000 400
800 300
600
200
400
200
100 130130
0
kk10
0
0 2
1304 6 8
0 5 15 20
Density (ind/ha)
Density (ind/ha)

c. Tolma
130130130h
j d. Dunagiri
130
Fig.3 (a-d): Correlation between density and biomass of Grasshoppers in different study sites.
(131) VARIATION IN POPULATION DENSITY AND BIOMASS OF GRASSHOPPERS

Forest, Florida (Greenberg and Thomas 1995). In the present
study across the sites, significant positive correlations have
been recorded between the total density and total biomass of
the grasshoppers(Fig. 3a-d). This also further reveals the
importance of favorable seasonal, climatic, and biotic factors
for the survival, body growth which ultimately leads towards
the healthy population and biomass. Similar, patterns of higher
biomass values for insects have also been recorded by other
workers (Kaushal and Vats, 1983; Begon, 1983; Joshi, 1989;
Kruger and McGovin, 1997).
During both the years densities and biomass of Grasshopper
species were highly influenced by the variation in temperature
across the study sites. As already indicated that with increasing
temperature of sampling sites increases the density of
Grasshoppers( Figs. 4 and 6 and Similarly significant effect of
temperature on body size and biomass of Grasshopper
species among the study sites indicate the positive effects on
optimum temperature on the growth of grasshoppers due to
available food resources (Figs. 5 and 7). Extremely low and
high temperature, rainfall and vegetation cover have been
reported to influence the population density of insects
(Nummelin, 1996; Wardle and Barker, 1997). Present finding
on density and diversity of grasshoppers have supported these
statem ents. Sim ilarly, phenological relationships of
grasshopper ecology are temperature-dependent and favourable
temperature can encourage population buildup (Begon, 1983;
Kemp and Onsager, 1986). Similar trends of climatic effect
(i.e., Air temperature and humidity) on population density,

Fig.4: Variation in density of Grasshoppers with temperature among the study sites in NDBR (1989-1999)

Fig.5: Variation in Biomass of Grasshoppers with temperature among the study sites in NDBR
(1999-2000)
 KUMAR, JOSHI AND BADONI (132)

diversity, body size, biomass, egg lying, growth and
development, maturation and egg production of grasshoppers
and other insects has been observed by Edwards (1960);
Dempester (1963); Masaki (1967); Khna and Ajij (1974); Gage
and Mukerji (1977); Gupta and Vats (1983); Begon (1983);
Kemp and Onsager (1986); Nummelin (1996), Capinera and
Thompson (1987), Capinera (1987), Mukerji and Braun (1988),
Capinera and Horton (1989), Fielding and Brunsven (1990),
Chaudhary and Alikhan (1990), Belovsky and Slade (1995),
Telfer and Hassall (1999) and Karpakakunjaram et al. (2002).
This study reveals that the abundance, richness, and diversity
of grasshopper species entirely depend upon the quality of
habitat and environmental conditions. On the basis of the
present investigation, it can be suggested that the conservation
of natural habitats of Grasshopper supports the resource
availability and better environment for the survival and greater
abundance, richness and higher population of grasshoppers,
so that they can provide better services to the other species
linked in food chain as well as ecosystem.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors are thankful to Director, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan
Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora,
Uttarakhand for logistic support. Prof. B.D. Joshi, former Head
and Dean, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences,
Gurukul Kangri University, Hardwar for his continuous help

Fig.6: Variation in density of Grasshoppers with temperature among the study sites in NDBR (1999-2000)

132132
kk 132

132132132h
j
132
Fig.7: Variation in Biomass of Grasshoppers with temperature among the study sites in NDBR (1999-2000)
(133) VARIATION IN POPULATION DENSITY AND BIOMASS OF GRASSHOPPERS
and support during the course of study. Residents of Reni,
Lata, Tolma and Dunagiri villages are duly acknowledged for
their support in various ways during the field survey.
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