Schistocerca rubiginosa

(Harris, 1862)

Rusty Bird Grasshopper

Schistocerca rubiginosa, commonly known as the rusty bird grasshopper, is a of bird grasshopper in the Acrididae. It belongs to the Schistocerca, which includes several large, migratory grasshopper species found in the Americas. The species was first described by Harris in 1862 under the basionym Acridium rubiginosum. Like other members of its genus, it is capable of long-distance and seasonal .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schistocerca rubiginosa: /ˌskɪstoʊˈsɜrkə ˌruːbɪdʒɪˈnoʊsə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

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Distribution

Found in North America and South America. Specific distribution records include: United States (Illinois, Indiana, New Mexico, South Carolina) and Venezuela.

Similar Taxa

Schistocerca obscuraBoth are large bird grasshoppers in the same with similar body plans and capabilities; S. obscura is more widespread in the eastern and central United States and requires examination of male abdominal tip for definitive separation.
Schistocerca alutaceaAnother member of the 'alutacea group' within Schistocerca; boundaries within this group remain subject to taxonomic revision and field identification can be challenging.
Schistocerca shoshoneOverlaps in western North American range; both are large, alert grasshoppers quick to take when disturbed.

More Details

Taxonomic notes

The was originally described as Acridium rubiginosum by Harris in 1862 before being transferred to Schistocerca. The Schistocerca has undergone significant revision, with species and delineations still debated among .

Genus characteristics

Members of Schistocerca are known as 'bird grasshoppers' due to their large size, powerful , and alert . The includes the famous (S. gregaria) of the Old World, though S. rubiginosa and other New World are rarely populous enough to form destructive swarms.