Chromosome C-band karyotypes, heterochromatin content and chromosome chiasma during meiotic prophase of two short-winged locust species Caryanda cultricerca and Caryanda amplexicerca (Orthoptera, Catantopidae) were studied. Results indicated that both species had a diploid chromosome number of 2n (♂) = 23 and a XO sex-determining mechanism. All chromosomes were telocentric except the S₉ of C. cultricerca. The autosomes can be classified into large, medium and short groups. In C. cultricerca there were 19 C-bands while C. cultricerca had 16 C-bands; both species had an approximately equal value in the total of heterochromatic content (21.91% vs. 21.58%). As for the chromosome behavior in meiosis, 1 chiasmata and 2 chiasmata types occurred most frequently in both species during meiotic prophase. Moreover, the differences in chromosome karyotype, characteristics of sex-chromosome and their significance in adaptation and differentiation of these two species are discussed.