Bird Grasshoppers
Cyrtacanthacridinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Caelifera
- Family: Acrididae
- Subfamily: Cyrtacanthacridinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cyrtacanthacridinae: //sɪrˌtækænˈθækrɪdiːniː//
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Images
Summary
Cyrtacanthacridinae is a subfamily of grasshoppers known as bird locusts, notable for their distinct morphology, wide distribution, and impact as agricultural pests. They exhibit phase polymorphism and include significant locust species in both America and Africa.
Physical Characteristics
Characteristic prominent peg between the forelegs, short-horned body structure.
Identification Tips
Look for the prominent peg between the forelegs and their distinctive coloration that may vary from green to brown, sometimes with patterns.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in the Americas.
Distribution
Primarily found in the Americas with a few species in the Old World, particularly in tropical regions.
Diet
Herbivorous; feeds on a variety of grasses and other vegetation.
Life Cycle
Undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Reproduction
Lay eggs in the soil; some species undergo phase polymorphism affecting reproductive strategies.
Predators
Birds, mammals, and other insectivorous animals.
Ecosystem Role
Significant as herbivores in their ecosystems; some species are important pests affecting agriculture.
Economic Impact
Notable agricultural pests particularly in sub-Saharan Africa; species like the desert locust can cause substantial crop damage.
Cultural Significance
Refered to as bird locusts in English; criquets voyageurs in French-speaking Africa, often culturally significant in agricultural communities.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep net collection
- Hand collection during nymph and adult stages
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Drying specimens
- Alcohol preservation
Evolution
Cyrtacanthacridinae is closely related to Catantopinae and is sometimes considered a tribe within it.
Similar Taxa
- Catantopinae
- Melanoplinae
Misconceptions
Sometimes mistakenly referred to as locusts, especially in the case of certain grasshoppers that can form swarms but do not belong to this subfamily.
Tags
- Orthoptera
- Cyrtacanthacridinae
- Bird Locusts
- Agricultural Pests
- Entomology