Pyrgomorphoidea

Definition

A superfamily of grasshoppers in the order Orthoptera, containing the single family Pyrgomorphidae. Members are distinguished by their often aposematic coloration, robust bodies, and in many genera a pronounced, helmet-like or tower-shaped head structure that gives the group its name (from Greek pyrgos, "tower" + morphe, "form"). Pyrgomorphoidea is the sister group to all other grasshopper superfamilies and represents an early-diverging lineage within Caelifera.

Etymology

From Greek pyrgos (tower) + morphe (form, shape) + -oidea (superfamily suffix), referring to the elevated, turreted head capsule characteristic of the type genus Pyrgomorpha.

Example

The superfamily Pyrgomorphoidea includes the koppie foam grasshopper Dictyophorus spumans, whose bright aposematic coloration and toxic defensive froth exemplify the chemical defenses common in this group.

Related Terms

• Pyrgomorphidae
• Orthoptera
• Caelifera
• Acridoidea
• aposematism
• Phytophagy

Usage Notes

Pyrgomorphoidea is monotypic at the family level, containing only Pyrgomorphidae; this distinguishes it from the much larger and more diverse superfamily Acridoidea, which encompasses the "typical" grasshoppers. The group is sometimes referred to informally as "gaudy grasshoppers" or "bush locusts," though these terms are not formal taxonomic synonyms. Specialist literature emphasizes the group's basal position in grasshopper phylogeny and its frequent association with chemically defended host plants.