Chromosome number in Cephalocoema vittata (Proscopiidae, Orthoptera)

Abstract

Cephalocoema vittata belongs to the family Proscopiidae, an Acridoidean family of the Order Orthoptera. Its chromosome number has been established as 2n = 17 in the male. The autosomes are apparently acrocentric, X being metacentric. Considering both morphological and cytological evidence, Proscopiidae is closely related to the family Eumasticidae, an extensively distributed group, comparing in age with the Acrididae. We believe that it would be possible to consider Proscopiidae as a branch off of the Eumasticidae, now constituting a Neotropical family in its own right.