Slant-faced Grasshoppers
Gomphocerinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Caelifera
- Family: Acrididae
- Subfamily: Gomphocerinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gomphocerinae: /ɡɒmfoʊˈsɛrɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Gomphocerinae, known as slant-faced grasshoppers, are a diverse subfamily of grasshoppers noted for the stridulatory mechanism present in many species. They inhabit various environments globally, utilizing grasses as a primary food source.
Physical Characteristics
The Gomphocerinae subfamily is characterized by the presence of a stridulatory file on the inner side of the hind femur, which consists of raised pegs along a raised ridge that are rubbed against raised veins of the tegmina to produce sound. Generally, the head appears pointed with a backward-slanting face. Hind wings are usually clear, with some species exhibiting bluish or yellowish tints.
Identification Tips
Look for the stridulatory file on the hind femur, absence of a strongly developed tubercle between the front legs, and the pointed head shape with a slanting back face. Some species may lack a stridulatory file but still resemble Gomphocerinae.
Habitat
Gomphocerinae species can occur in a wide variety of environments, favoring sunny meadowy or marshy habitats, although some species prefer semi-arid steppes.
Distribution
Widespread globally, they are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia.
Diet
Most species primarily feed on grasses (Poaceae) and related plants, but dietary preferences may vary widely.
Ecosystem Role
Gomphocerinae play a role in their ecosystems as herbivores, affecting plant communities and serving as prey for various predators.
Evolution
The taxonomy of Gomphocerinae is fluid, with ongoing molecular studies prompting re-evaluation of traditional groupings and relationships among genera.
Similar Taxa
- Oedipodinae
- Acridinae
Misconceptions
Some genera, like Truxalis, have been historically misclassified under Gomphocerinae due to similar stridulatory mechanisms, but recent understanding restricts their classification to Old World genera.
Tags
- slant-faced grasshoppers
- Gomphocerinae
- orthoptera
- grasshoppers