Eumastacoidea

Definition

A superfamily of grasshoppers within the order Orthoptera, suborder Caelifera, characterized by a mainly tropical distribution and commonly known as "monkey grasshoppers."

Etymology

From Greek eu- (true, good) + mastax (jaw, referring to chewing mouthparts) + -oidea (resembling, superfamily suffix)

Example

Members of Eumastacoidea such as those in the family Eumastacidae are agile, often brightly colored, and occupy arboreal or shrub-layer habitats in tropical forests, unlike the more familiar ground-dwelling Acridoidea.

Synonyms

• monkey grasshoppers (common name)

Related Terms

• Caelifera
• Orthoptera
• Eumastacidae
• Acridoidea
• Tettigoniidea
• Grasshopper
• superfamily

Usage Notes

Sometimes treated as a superfamily containing the family Eumastacidae and related families; the common name "monkey grasshoppers" reflects their agile, climbing behavior. Distinguish from Acridoidea (short-horned grasshoppers) and Tettigoniidea (katydids and crickets). The group is taxonomically stable but relatively small compared to other caeliferan superfamilies.