Oedipodinae

Oedipodinae is distinguished from other Acrididae subfamilies by the combination of: (1) short pronotum that does not extend backward over the abdomen, (2) well-developed median carina on the pronotum, (3) hindwings with colored basal portion (not clear or uniformly colored), and (4) absence of a prosternal spine. Differs from Gomphocerinae (slant-faced grasshoppers) which have an elongated, slanted face and often more pointed head. Differs from Melanoplinae (spur-throated grasshoppers) which typically have a pronotal spine or swelling on the prosternum. Differs from Cyrtacanthacridinae which are generally larger with more robust bodies and different wing venation. Within Oedipodinae, genera are distinguished by details of wing coloration, pronotal sculpture, and male genitalia structure.

Primarily inhabits open, xeric environments including grasslands, prairies, sagebrush steppe, shrub-grass communities, and weedy fields. Many species occupy rangelands, agricultural margins, and disturbed habitats. Some species extend into montane meadows, clearings in montane forests, and alpine areas above timberline. Sandy dune habitats support specialized psammophilous species. Elevation range extends from lowland plains to high mountain elevations.

Worldwide distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Particularly diverse in: (1) western North America from Canada through the United States and Mexico, (2) central Asia including Mongolia and adjacent regions, (3) Mediterranean region and Europe, (4) Africa, (5) Australia, and (6) southern Asia including Pakistan, India, and Southeast Asia. In North America, well-represented in the Great Plains, Intermountain West, and southwestern deserts.

Life cycle timing varies by species and latitude. Northern populations of some species exhibit two-year life cycles with egg diapause, while southern populations have one-year cycles. Nymphs typically hatch in mid-summer (July-August) in temperate regions, overwinter as late instars, and reach adulthood in spring (April-May). Adults present primarily in spring and early summer in northern areas; some southern populations may be bi- or trivoltine with extended adult periods. Activity patterns diurnal, with peak activity during warm midday hours.

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses and sedges. Many species show strong preference for young, green growth of cool-season grasses in spring, shifting to warm-season grasses as they become available. Some species include forbs in diet, though usually in minor amounts. A few species are generalist feeders on agricultural crops including wheat, barley, sorghum, and alfalfa. Some species have been observed feeding on ground litter and dry fallen leaves.

Eggs deposited in soil in pods containing 20-50 eggs, laid at depths of 2-3 inches in bare ground. Embryonic development varies: some species have direct development with hatching in weeks, others enter diapause requiring winter cold to break dormancy. Nymphs undergo 5-6 instars (typically 5 in males, 6 in females), developing through summer and fall. Overwintering occurs as late instar nymphs in soil depressions or under litter. Adults emerge in spring, with mating occurring shortly thereafter. Some species exhibit extended adult longevity with individuals surviving into late summer.

Strong fliers; evasive flight characterized by rapid takeoff, loud crepitation (wing snapping), and flight distances of 4-30+ feet at heights of 1-3 feet. Landing typically horizontal on ground with body oriented away from threat. Many species perform visual displays using colored hindwings and hind legs during courtship or agonistic interactions. Stridulation produced by rubbing ridged inner surface of hind femur against raised vein on tegmen, creating chirping sounds primarily for courtship. Some species exhibit thermoregulatory basking behavior, orienting body perpendicular to sun. When temperatures exceed tolerance, individuals seek shade under vegetation. Defensive regurgitation of foul-smelling liquid when handled or attacked.

Primary consumers in grassland and open habitat ecosystems; significant herbivores that influence plant community composition and productivity. Serve as important prey for birds, reptiles, small mammals, and invertebrate predators. Some species reach outbreak densities and become dominant herbivores in their ecosystems. Nutrient cycling through consumption and excretion. Burrowing and oviposition activities contribute to soil aeration.

Several species are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, including locust species capable of forming dense migratory swarms that devastate crops and rangelands. Outbreak populations can destroy cereals, forage grasses, and vegetables. Economic damage documented in North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some species are difficult to detect in standard sweep-net surveys due to strong flight and evasive behavior, complicating management efforts. Used as food in some cultures; suggested as potential protein source. Subject of extensive research in pest management, chemical ecology, and behavioral biology.

• GomphocerinaeSlant-faced grasshoppers share short pronotum but distinguished by elongated, slanted face, pointed fastigium, and typically lack brightly colored hindwings; stridulation mechanism differs.
• MelanoplinaeSpur-throated grasshoppers often similar in size and habitat but possess prosternal spine or tubercle between forelegs, absent in Oedipodinae; hindwing coloration patterns differ.
• CyrtacanthacridinaeBird locusts are generally larger with more robust bodies, pronotum often with distinct crest or different sculpture, and different wing venation and coloration patterns.

• grasshopper
• locust
• pest
• rangeland
• agriculture
• acridid
• bandwing
• xeric
• diapause
• outbreak
• swarm
• herbivore
• North America
• Asia
• Australia
• Mediterranean

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• List of Species Fact Sheets| Grasshoppers of Wyoming and the West
• Glossary
• Hop to It! | Bug Squad
• Field Guide Selected References
• Redshanked Grasshopper
• Grasshoppers of Wyoming and the West
• A New Record of Genus Heteropternis Stal 1873 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oedipodinae) from Pakistan
• Communicative aspects of reproductive behaviour in Australian grasshoppers (Oedipodinae and Gomphocerinae)
• Yellow-winged digging grasshopper, Acrotylus longipes (Acrididae: Oedipodinae), confirmed in Croatia
• A revision of the subgenus Parasphingonotus Benediktov & Husemann, 2009 (Orthoptera: Oedipodinae: Sphingonotini)
• EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FOOD PLANTS ON REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES OF AIOLOPUS (OEDIPODINAE: ACRIDIDAE: ORTHOPTERA) FROM DISTRICT LARKANA, SINDH
• Barcoding Fails to Delimit Species in Mongolian Oedipodinae (Orthoptera, Acrididae)
• Visual and acoustical social displays by the grasshopper Chortophaga viridifasciata (Acrididae: Oedipodinae)