The acridoidea of Benin (Orthoptera): an annoted checklist

S urveys were conducted from 1991 to 1994 and 2001 to 2005, to characterize grasshopper species occurring in Benin. The study covered 50 sites distributed throughout the different agro - ecological zones in Benin. The sampled sites ranged between latitudes 6°N and 12° N. An annotated checklist of the 8 6 species encountered in four families and 12 subfamilies was provided. Seven teen species, first recorded in Benin were described. Grasshoppers’ ecology and their geographical distribution were described. In addition, habitat, characteristics including vegetations and soils preferred by these grasshopper species were mentionned. Th e different soil types on which the grasshoppers were found were reported. The population abundance of the different species was monitored in relation with the associated host - plants.