Tetrigidae

Common Name

Groundhoppers or Pygmy Grasshoppers

Overview

The Tetrigidae family, also known as groundhoppers or pygmy grasshoppers, are small to medium-sized orthopterans that are characterized by their elongated bodies and distinct pronotum that extends over the abdomen and wings. These insects are found globally, with the highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Size: Typically 10-20 mm
  • Body Shape: Elongated with a pronotum extending backward
  • Color: Generally camouflaged to blend with their environments, often brown or gray
  • Wings: Some species are fully-winged (macropterous), while others have reduced wings (brachypterous)
  • Antennae: Short, often not reaching the length of the body
  • Legs: Hind legs are well-developed for jumping

Life Cycle

  • Eggs: Laid in the soil or among leaf litter
  • Nymphs: Undergo several molts before becoming adults, resembling smaller versions of adults without fully developed wings
  • Adults: Reach sexual maturity and continue the cycle

Behavior and Ecology

  • Habitat: Prefer moist environments such as wetlands, riverbanks, and marshes
  • Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, mosses, and decaying plant material
  • Activity: Mostly diurnal, active during the day and seeking shelter at night
  • Communication: Use stridulation for mating calls, though less pronounced than in other grasshopper families

Notable Species

  • Tetrix subulata: Often encountered species in Europe and Asia
  • Paratettix meridionalis: Common in North America
  • Tettigidea lateralis: Found in North and South America

Conservation

  • Most species within the family are not currently threatened, though habitat destruction and climate change could pose future risks.

Significance to Humans

  • Agriculture: Generally minor pests but can benefit ecosystems by promoting decomposition of plant material.
  • Scientific Study: Valuable for research on evolution, adaptation, and habitat preferences.

Fun Facts

  • Tetrigidae can jump as much as 50 times their body length.
  • Unlike other grasshoppers, groundhoppers have a pronotum that extends backward to protect their wings.
  • Some species can be quite colorful when viewed up close, despite their often drab appearance from a distance.
  • These insects are sometimes called "living fossils" due to their ancient lineage and relatively unchanged morphology over millions of years.
  • Groundhoppers can often be found near water, a unique habitat preference compared to other grasshoppers.