Schistocerca alutacea
(Harris, 1841)
leather-colored bird grasshopper, spotted bird grasshopper
Schistocerca alutacea, known as the leather-colored bird grasshopper or spotted bird grasshopper, is a of band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae. It is a strong flier that occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. The species is noted for being difficult to collect using standard sweep net techniques due to its .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Schistocerca alutacea: //ˌskɪstəˈsɜrkə ˌæluˈteɪʃə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Schistocerca by its leather-colored (tan to brown) with dark spotting. The "spotted bird grasshopper" refers to these markings. As a member of the Oedipodinae (bandwings), it possesses enlarged hind adapted for jumping and likely has colored hind wings typical of the , though specific wing coloration is not documented in the provided sources. It is larger than many common grasshoppers, with the "bird grasshopper" name suggesting substantial size.
Images
Distribution
United States, from Massachusetts west to Arizona and south to Florida. Historically reported from southeastern Wyoming. Distribution records from GBIF include Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.
Behavior
A strong flier that readily flushes ahead of sweep nets and flies long distances, making standard sweep net collecting techniques usually futile. This results in underrepresentation in sweep-based survey data.
Similar Taxa
- Schistocerca americanaSimilar size and band-winged ; S. alutacea distinguished by leather-colored appearance with dark spotting versus green or brown coloration of S. americana
- Dissosteira carolinaBoth are strong-flying band-winged grasshoppers that avoid sweep nets; D. carolina has different coloration and patterning
- Circotettix rabulaAnother strong-flying band-winged that presents similar collection challenges; differs in markings and preferences