American grasshopper

Definition

A large grasshopper species, Schistocerca americana (family Acrididae), native to the eastern United States, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Though occasionally called a "locust" during localized outbreaks, it lacks the true density-dependent phase polyphenism and transcontinental migratory swarming behavior of its congener, the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). Adults are strong fliers and can disperse widely, but population eruptions remain regional and do not produce the devastating agricultural plagues characteristic of true locusts.

Etymology

From "American" + "grasshopper", distinguishing this New World species; Latin specific epithet americana refers to geographic origin

Example

During outbreak years in Florida, American grasshopper densities can reach damaging levels in citrus groves and pasturelands, yet populations collapse without developing the gregarious swarming phase seen in desert locusts.

Synonyms

• American bird grasshopper

Related Terms

• locust
• phase polyphenism
• Schistocerca gregaria
• Acrididae
• Grasshopper
• density-dependent phenotypic plasticity

Usage Notes

The term "locust" is often applied loosely to any swarming grasshopper, but specialists reserve it for species with documented phase transformation. The synonym "American bird grasshopper" reflects the species' strong flight capability and occasional predation on other insects, not avian diet.