Chorthippus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Caelifera
Family: Acrididae
Subfamily: Gomphocerinae
Genus: Chorthippus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chorthippus: //kɔːrˈθɪpəs//

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

Images

Chorthippus curtipennis Mâle by B59210. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Chorthippus brunneus, commonly known as the common field grasshopper, is a polymorphic species found predominantly in the Western Palearctic, known for its diverse colors and patterns. It thrives in unaltered dry habitats and has a complex mating behavior involving acoustic signals. This species exhibits a univoltine life cycle and engages in hybridization with related species.

Physical Characteristics

C. brunneus are predominantly brown, but can also be black, green, purple, or white. Wing patterns vary between individuals, with forms such as mottled, striped, striped-mottled, or plain. The forewing patterns are not consistent in brown grasshoppers, which can vary.

Identification Tips

At least two loci are responsible for pronotum color; green alleles are dominant to all other colors while brown alleles are recessive. Wing pattern is determined by a separate locus, with plain forewing pattern being dominant.

Habitat

C. brunneus prefer dry habitats, notably heathland areas with sward heights of 100 to 200 mm and fine leaved grass species. They thrive in areas with less human alteration compared to agricultural sites.

Distribution

Common and widespread in Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia.

Diet

C. brunneus are herbivores and polyphagous, primarily feeding on grasses.

Life Cycle

C. brunneus are hemimetabolous, going through an egg stage, four nymphal stages, and then becoming adults. They overwinter via obligate egg diapause.

Reproduction

C. brunneus are univoltine. Males attract females through song, and copulation is influenced by female response to male mating songs.

Conservation Status

Least Concern (IUCN)

Ecosystem Role

C. brunneus may act as herbivores impacting plant growth and serving as prey for various predators.

Evolution

C. brunneus and C. jacobsi form a hybrid zone, suggesting divergence during the Pleistocene. Studies indicate genetic variation affects mating and song preferences.