Extensive collecting of grasshoppers of the genus Phaulacridium in New Zealand has indicated the presence of a new species, P. otagoense Ritchie & Westerman, distributed parapatrically with respect to the common and widespread species, P. marginale (Walker) in the Mackenzie Plains and Central Otago regions of South Island. Phaulacridium otagoense occurs on exposed hillsides with bare patches caused by rabbit grazing while P. margtnale is found in adjoining areas with lusher vegetation and less severe erosion. A key to the two species and a differential diagnosis are provided. Statistically significant differences in morphology and in nuclear DNA content and chiasma frequency confirm the separate species status of the two taxa. The present-day distribution and probable allopatric origin of P. otagoense from P. marginale is discussed in the light of past and present vegetational and climatic factors and their recent disruption by human agencies. The holotype and some paratypes of P. oiagoense are deposited in the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand and further paratypes are deposited in the Australian National Insect Collection, Canberra and the British Museum (Natural History), London

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The genus Podothrips Hood is redefined, and three new species are described: orion and australis from Australia and moundi from New Guinea. Two new synonymies are recorded in Podothrips and fuscus Moulton and monsterae Moulton are excluded. A key to the nineteen species and an annotated catalogue are provided. The distribution and biology of the genus are briefly discussed.

The recent history of initiatives in support of tropical insect taxonomy and the current status of the insect collection resources of Africa are reviewed with special emphasis on the development of the Department of Entomology, National Museums of Kenya as a regional centre for insect biosystematic services, training and research. Specific proposals are offered for the future development of such centres.Resume-L'histoire recente des initiatives en support de la taxinomie des insectes tropicales et l'etat actuel des resources des collections entomologiques en Afrique sont revises avec une emphase speciale sur 1'evolution du Departement d'Entomologie des Musees Nationals du Kenya comme centre regionale entomologique pour les services biosystematiques, pour la formation et pour la recherche. Des propositions specifiques pour le developpement futur des telles centres sont avancees.