Trigonopterygoidea

Definition

A superfamily of grasshoppers in the suborder Caelifera (Orthoptera), characterized by dorsoventrally flattened bodies and cryptic, leaf-mimicking morphology. The group includes two families: Trigonopterygidae (leaf grasshoppers) of the Old World tropics and Xyronotidae (razor-backed bush-hoppers) of the Americas.

Etymology

From Greek trigonon (triangle) + pteryx (wing), with suffix -oidea denoting superfamily rank.

Example

Trigonopterygoidea species such as those in the genus Xyronotus exhibit extreme leaf mimicry, with flattened, serrated bodies that resemble dead foliage and allow them to rest flush against leaf surfaces in Neotropical understory vegetation.

Related Terms

• Caelifera
• Orthoptera
• Trigonopterygidae
• Xyronotidae
• leaf mimicry
• Grasshopper
• superfamily

Usage Notes

Sometimes referred to informally as 'leaf grasshoppers,' though this term properly applies only to the family Trigonopterygidae. The American family Xyronotidae is morphologically distinct and has been called 'razor-backed bush-hoppers' for their keeled, saw-like dorsal profiles. The superfamily is relatively small and phylogenetically isolated within Caelifera.