Acrididae is a specious family of Orthoptera, which includes some of the most common and also detrimental species to agriculture. At the same time, members of the family represent an important protein source for many vertebrates and hence have an important place in the food web. The family currently includes more than 6,700 extant species in several subfamilies, several of which of uncertain status. The most recent phylogenies suggest many taxonomic problems at higher systematic levels, and identification at the species level is often difficult. Integrative taxonomy using morphological, as well as morphometric and genetic methods allows to distinguish species and resolve the phylogeny and taxonomy of the group. The family includes many thermophilic taxa and is particularly diverse in the Mediterranean Region; consequently Israel lies within one of Acrididae diversity centers. The course is designed to provide a general understanding of the family with a focus on modern taxonomic methods applied to the fauna of Israel and neighboring countries

<< Detailed syllabus 

:For further information and registration please contact Prof. Netta Dorchin

 ndorchin@tauex.tau.ac.il