Wikipedia
The genus Sigaus is endemic to New Zealand and with all but one species endemic to the South Island. Sigaus piliferus is currently the only representative of the endemic grasshopper genera found in the North Island. There are eight species with this genus.
The genus Sigaus is easily distinguished from other genera within this family in New Zealand by the distinctive structures of the male genitalia. The epiphallus lophi are saddle-like in shape with the mesal protuberance of the lophus having a smooth, rounded outline. These structures are internal of the male genitalia.
The taxonomy of New Zealand endemic grasshoppers was substantially revised by Bigelow in 1967. This review was mostly based on the female genitalia. A new review is currently being performed on the genus Sigaus based on the internal male genitalia by Simon Morris.
Sigaus australis
Sigaus campestris
Sigaus childi
Sigaus homerensis
Sigaus minutus
Sigaus piliferus
Sigaus obelisci
Sigaus takahe
Sigaus villosus
Photograph
NZAcrididae18.JPG
NZAcrididae20.JPG
NZAcrididae1.JPG
Sighom1.JPG
NZAcrididae21.JPG
NZAcrididae19.JPG
NZAcrididae8.JPG
Altitude
1,300-1,700 m
(4,300-5,600 ft)
400-1,500 m
(1,300-4,900 ft)
200–500 m
(660-1,600 ft)
900-1,000 m
(3,000-3,300 ft)
300–800 m
(980-2,600 ft)
1,600-1,800 m
(5,200-5,900 ft)
1,000-1,400 m
(5,900-6,900 ft)
1,800-2,100 m
(5,900-6,900 ft)
Described
1897
Hutton
1897
Hutton
1999
Jamieson
2003
Morris
1967
Bigelow
1897
Hutton
1967
Bigelow
2003
Morris
1950
Salmon
Habitat
Tussock grasslands
Dry rocky hillsides/
Tussock grasslands
Dry rocky hillsides
Tussock grasslands
Fluvial outwashs
Tussock grasslands
Alpine lichen fields
Tussock grasslands
Srcees
Polymorphism
Highly crypsis
Highly crypsis
Highly crypsis
2
Highly crypsis
Highly crypsis
1
Regions
Canterbury
Otago
Canterbury
Otago
Southland
Otago
Southland
Canterbury
Waikato
Gisborne
Hawke's Bay
Manawatu-Wanganui
Wellington
Otago
Southland
Canterbury
Size
Medium
Medium/large
Medium
Medium
Very small
Large
Large
Medium
Large
Threaten
Not threaten
Not threaten
Nationally Critical
Range Restricted
Nationally Endangered
Range Restricted
Range Restricted
Not threaten
Wings
Micropterous
2–3 mm
Micropterous
2–3 mm
Micropterous
1–2 mm
Micropterous
2–3 mm
Micropterous
1 mm
Micropterous
3–4 mm
Micropterous
3–4 mm
Micropterous
2–4 mm