Slant-faced Pasture Grasshopper

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Orphulella speciosa: /ɔrˈfjʊ.lɛl.lə spɛˈki.o.sa/

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Summary

Orphulella speciosa, the slant-faced pasture grasshopper, is a species of short-horned grasshopper found primarily in open grassy areas. It demonstrates distinct sexual dimorphism in size and features a slanted face and varied coloration depending on its habitat.

Physical Characteristics

Adult females range from 16-21.5 mm in body size, while males measure 13-14 mm in total length. Females have antennae 5-6 mm long, tegmina 9-16 mm long, and hind femora 9.5–12 mm long. Males have antennae 4.5-6.5 mm long, tegmina 10-13 mm long, and hind femora 8.5–10 mm long. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males. Coloration varies, often showing combinations of green and brown; females are usually light green with a dark vertex, and males exhibit a pale curved line on the lateral lobes.

Identification Tips

Orphulella speciosa has a distinct slanted face with less raised margins on the vertex. The foveola is not distinct, and the pronotal disks are almost equal in width front and back. The principal sulcus on the pronotum is found a little past the middle. Males have varying hind femora sizes from 1.5 mm to 3 mm. To distinguish O. speciosa from O. pelidna, examine the fastigium—O. speciosa has a small median ridge and is smaller overall. O. pelidna has a semicircular indentation set farther back and incised lateral carinae.

Habitat

Inhabits tallgrass and mixed grass prairies, often preferring areas of shorter grasses that are interspersed among taller prairie plants, including grazed grasses.

Distribution

Occurs east of the Rocky Mountain region to the Atlantic coast, southern Canada, and northern Mexico.

Life Cycle

Undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with nymphs resembling adults. They pass through five instar stages with four molting events before reaching adulthood.

Similar Taxa

• Orphulella pelidna

Tags

• Orthoptera
• Grasshopper
• Acrididae
• Gomphocerinae