Abstract: To clarify the diversity of locusts and katydids and its relationship with environmental factors at different altitudes in the Gaoligong Mountains, we investigated species composition of locusts and katydids at altitudes 1200-2400 m in September-October of 2020 and 2021 by using transect method. The whole survey area was divided into three altitude sections: Altitude section I (1200-1600 m), altitude section II (1600-2000 m), and altitude section III (2000-2400 m). A total of 741 insects were collected, representing 52 species, 35 genera, and 7 families. There were 426 specimens of 30 species, 24 genera, and 7 families in altitude section Ⅰ, 201 specimens of 15 species, 12 genera and 4 families in the altitude section Ⅱ, and 114 specimens of 13 species, 12 genera and 2 families in altitude section Ⅲ. Tettigoniidae, Catantopidae, and Rhaphidophoridae were dominant families, and Phlugiolopsis montana was the most dominant species in this region. Species richness, Shannon index, Margalef richness index, and Simpson dominance index were highest in the altitude section Ⅰ. The similarity coefficients between the three altitudes were between 0 and 0.1026, with highest similarity between the altitude section Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Results of correlation analysis showed that environmental factors significantly affected community diversity of locusts and katydids, but there were differences among different metrics. Temperature was negatively correlated with species richness but positively correlated with Pielou evenness index. Precipitation was negatively correlated with Shannon index, individual number, and species richness. Temperature and precipitation were the dominant factors in shaping the spatial pattern of locusts and katydids community diversity, and habitat heterogeneity increased species richness of these two groups in the Gaoligong Mountains.

Key words: Gaoligong Mountains, altitude, locust, katydid, diversity, environmental factor