Short-horned Grasshoppers
Acrididae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Caelifera
- Family: Acrididae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrididae: /əˈkrɪdɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Acrididae, commonly known as short-horned grasshoppers, are a large and diverse family of grasshoppers characterized by their short antennae and environmental adaptability. They include many species worldwide, some of which are well-known swarming locusts.
Physical Characteristics
9-80 mm, mostly 15-30 mm, characterized by relatively short and stout antennae; tympana on the side of the first abdominal segment. Some species are quite colorful.
Identification Tips
Look for short antennae relative to body size; body shape is generally stout.
Habitat
Grasslands, forests, tundra, and aquatic vegetation; typically found in open habitats.
Distribution
Worldwide, with high species diversity in temperate and tropical regions.
Diet
Primarily foliage of forbs and grasses; some species consume a variety of plants, while others have more specialized diets. They will also scavenge dead grasshoppers when other food is scarce.
Life Cycle
Typically one year. Eggs overwinter and hatch in spring; some species may overwinter as juveniles (nymphs).
Reproduction
Courtship can be elaborate; mating may last up to one hour, with males sometimes exhibiting mate guarding behavior. Females lay 10-60 eggs in loose soil, with multiple clutches possible.
Ecosystem Role
Important herbivores within their ecosystems, influencing plant communities and serving as prey for various predators.
Economic Impact
Some species are considered pests in agriculture; however, specific economic impact varies by region.
Collecting Methods
- Netting
- Hand collection
- Gene sequencing
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Freezing
- Pinning
Tags
- Acrididae
- Grasshoppers
- Orthoptera
- Insects