Dichroplus

Stål, 1873

spur-throated grasshoppers

Species Guides

Dichroplus notatus(Mexican Dichroplus)

Dichroplus is a of spur-throated grasshoppers in the Acrididae, containing more than 20 described distributed across North, Central, and South America. Species in this genus are primarily ground-dwelling and associated with grassland and agricultural . Dichroplus maculipennis, one of the most studied species, is a significant agricultural pest in Argentina's Pampas region, where it damages corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dichroplus: //dɪˈkroʊplʌs//

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Identification

Members of Dichroplus can be recognized as spur-throated grasshoppers by the presence of a distinct spine or projection on the (the plate between the front legs). This separates them from non-spur-throated grasshopper . Specific -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and subtle differences in coloration and body proportions.

Habitat

Grassland and agricultural fields, particularly in the Pampas region of Argentina for D. maculipennis. The occupies a range of open from native grasslands to cultivated croplands.

Distribution

North America, Central America, and South America. Specific records include southern South America, Arizona (USA), Bolivia, and central and southeastern Brazil.

Diet

Herbivorous. Dichroplus maculipennis has been observed feeding on corn, soybeans, wheat, and other crop plants, consuming leaves and stems.

Host Associations

Zea mays - food plantD. maculipennis feeds on corn plants; bassiana endophyte in corn reduces consumption and
Glycine max - food plantsoybean crop damage documented
Triticum - food plantwheat crop damage documented

Ecological Role

Herbivore in grassland and agricultural . Serves as for fungi including bassiana, which can infect and kill grasshoppers.

Human Relevance

Agricultural pest, particularly D. maculipennis in Argentina. between 2008 and 2011 caused significant economic losses to ranches and farms. Subject to research using bassiana fungal endophytes in crop plants to reduce feeding damage and reproductive capacity. Currently controlled primarily through chemical .

Similar Taxa

MelanoplusBoth are spur-throated grasshoppers in Melanoplinae; Dichroplus is distinguished by distribution (primarily Neotropical vs. Nearctic for Melanoplus) and specific genitalic characters
Other Acrididae genera lacking prosternal spineDichroplus possesses the diagnostic spur-throated condition (prosternal spine) absent in non-spur-throated grasshoppers

More Details

Biological control research

A 2016 study by Pelizza et al. demonstrated that bassiana fungal endophytes in corn plants significantly reduced daily consumption, , and food preference in D. maculipennis. Females laid 17.7 over 15 days on inoculated plants versus 27.2 eggs on control plants. Approximately 70% of dead grasshoppers developed visible B. bassiana growth on their bodies.

Species diversity

The contains more than 20 described , though many remain poorly studied beyond basic .