Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)
Assessors: Corinna S Bazelet R Naskrecki
Reviewers: Axel Hochkirch Mark Bushell

Rationale

The threat status of the Common Restio Katydid is Least Concern because, although it has a relatively small extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, it occurs in mountainous areas which are unsuitable for cultivation and development, including within protected areas. Its association with restio plants (Restionaceae) means that it is protected by conservation actions targeting these plants, of which there are many since restios are a flagship of the Fynbos biome. Although high elevation populations of this species may be threatened by climate change, the presence of this species at a range of elevations provides it with some protection. Its geographic range and habitat are not expected to be severely fragmented or to experience decline or extreme fluctuations presently or in the foreseeable future.  

Distribution

The Common Restio Katydid (Conocephalus montana) belongs to the subgenus Megalotheca, once a stand-alone genus which will soon be revised and reinstated. Megalotheca differs from Conocephalus by the shape of the male cercus and habitat preferences. Megalotheca is found only on restios (Restionaceae) while Conocephalus is found on grasses and other plants. Megalotheca consists of four species, with at least three additional species known and yet to be described. This genus is endemic to the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and is only known to occur in association with restio plants, a characteristic plant of the Fynbos biome. This genus is in great need of taxonomic and phylogeographic work to better define the species limits and to describe new species. It is possible that C. montana is in fact a species complex.

Population trend

Trend

No information on population sizes or trends is available.

Threats

The greatest threat to this species is habitat destruction and climate change, but due to its distribution in sparsely inhabited and mountainous regions which are unsuitable for cultivation and development, it is not directly threatened.

Uses and trade

This species is not utilized.

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species but it is known to occur in at least two protected areas, Cederberg and Matroosberg Nature Reserves. 

References 

[@electronic{15431178,
 address = {www.iucnredlist.org},
 author = {IUCN},
 title = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.1},
 year = {2014}
}
,@article{20632896,
 author = {Uvarov, B.P.},
 journal = {Annals of the South African Museum},
 number = {2},
 pages = {341--357},
 title = {Notes on the types of Orthoptera described by Dr. L. Peringuey},
 volume = {25.0},
 year = {1928}
}
,@article{20632896,
 author = {Gorochov, A.J.},
 journal = {African Invertebrates},
 number = {2},
 pages = {435--446},
 title = {Katydids of the genus Ewanella and of the subgenus Megalotheca (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)},
 volume = {50.0},
 year = {2009}
}
,]
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