LOCUSTIDiE. 
95 
Gryllacrinw . Schizodactylm monstruosus , Don, (fig. 33) (the bher- 
wa of Behai) is an extraordinary insect, rather doubtfully placed in 
Fig. 33—SCHIZODACTYLUS MONSTRUOSUS. 
(F. M. H.) 
this family. It is a large insect, robustly built, with long tegmina 
which roll up into a spiral; the sides of the tegmina turn down 
abruptly as in the Gryllidce and the tarsi have curious flat expansions. 
The appearance of the insect is extremely striking and its large jaws 
make it appear ferocious. It is wholiy a burrowing insect, living in 
sandy soil and often near rivers, making deep burrows in which it 
lives. The eggs are laid in the burrow, the female having no ovipositor 
and behaving much like a cricket. It is believed to be carnivorous, 
and is destructive to crops only when its borrows are so abundant 
that it cuts the roots of plants. Its distribution in India is a curious 
one including Tirhoot, parts of Assam, Bellary, parts of Sind and 
Multan. Apparently it is dependent upon peculiar conditions of soil 
and moisture. 
