Plains Yellow-winged Grasshopper

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Arphia simplex: /ˈɑːr.fi.ə ˈsɪm.plɛks/

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Summary

Arphia simplex, commonly known as the Plains Yellow-winged Grasshopper, is a large species of band-winged grasshopper found mostly in prairie regions across parts of North America and into Central America. It is recognizable by its distinctive color patterns and loud flight sounds.

Physical Characteristics

28 - 55 mm; females larger than males; hind wings yellow to orange with a narrow band, sometimes red; hind tibiae blue with white base and black near base and tip; fastigium deeply pitted, very narrow at front.

Identification Tips

Look for the loud fast ticking or snapping flight crepitation; the face in the northern range tends to protrude in front of the eyes and look almost squared in profile.

Habitat

Prairie regions or prairie-like openings in wooded areas.

Distribution

Southwestern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota south to Louisiana and western Texas, as well as scattered locations in Missouri, Arkansas, and even Ohio. Recorded from southeastern Mexico (Chiapas & Campeche), but those may not be this species.

Life Cycle

In most of range overwinters as nymphs, with adults appearing mostly in spring (April and May in Texas, later northward).

Misconceptions

The common name "Plains Yellow-winged Grasshopper" is a misnomer, as a large part of its range extends east and south of the Great Plains and it can also have orange or red hind wings.

Tags

• grasshopper
• orthoptera
• Acrididae
• Arphia