GRYLLIDiE. 
105 
The Oecanthince are represented by Oecanthus indicus Sauss., a deli¬ 
cate whitish insect with a tinge of pellucid green. It has the general 
characters of Gryllids but is 
easily recognisable. This in¬ 
sect is found upon plants, 
in rice fields and in dense moist 
vegetation. Its life history 
does not appear to have been 
worked out in India. It is, to 
some extent at least, preda¬ 
ceous and has been observed 
eating insects it has captured 
in the field. Other recorded 
Indian species are Arachnomi- 
mus picticeps , Wlk., A. duhius , 
Boh, and Oecanthus rufescens , 
Serv. 
The Trigonidiince are but 
little known and only five 
species are recorded from 
India proper : these are 
Trigonidium cicindeloides , 
Ramb., T. gigas , Bob, Cyrtoxipha (Eneoptera) fascipes , Wlk., C. con- 
color , Wlk., and C. alboatra, Wlk. 
The Eneopterince include Madasumma (7 spp.) as well as Patiscus 
quadripunctatus , Bob, Corixogryllus abbreviatus , Bob, and Meloimorpha 
cincticornis , Wlk. 
Collecting. —A knowledge of their habitat is the surest guide to the 
methods of obtaining crickets of all kinds. Tridactylides are readily 
found in moist places, and also at light; Gryllotalpa comes to light and 
may be dug out; the Gryllides can be dug out, found among fallen 
vegetation, or caught in the evening when they emerge ; some come to 
light and some are flooded out in the rains. Oecanthides are found upon 
plants and are best looked for when sweeping pests in rice. 
The lesser forms are very little known, on account of their fragility, 
and the number of undescribed forms is probably very large : equally 
Fig. 42—Oecanthus indicus. x 3. 
