A new fascinating genus of subfamily Hemiacridinae (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from Thailand

A new genus Pulchricranae gen. nov. (type species: P. mirabilis sp. nov.) is described from grassland in Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. This genus is similar to the genera Binaluacris Willemse and Bacuita Strand from Philippines by the presence of outer apical spines on hind tibiae; by tegmina abbreviated; by prosternal spine flattened; by lophi of epiphallus large, trapezium with rounded apex; and by basal and apical penis valves separated, without any sclerotized flexure.

However, Pulchricranae gen. nov. differs from Binaluacris by fastigium of vertex with rounded margins; by tegmina shorter and slightly broader; by prosternal spine in male with broadly rounded apex, in female apex with rounded triangular notch in median part; by mesosternal lobe broader than long; by male cerci conical, much narrower near apical part. New genus also differed from Bacuita (known by females only) by female fastigium of vertex strongly short and broad; tegmen broader, with apex rounded; hind femur surpassing the apex of abdomen; subgenital plate with apex nearly truncate.

The previously ungrouped genera of the subfamily Catantopinae, Binaluacris and Bacuita, are transferred to the tribe Cranaeini of the subfamily Hemiacridinae based on external morphology and male genitalia. The composition of the tribe Cranaeini is briefly discussed.