Sulphur-winged Grasshopper
Arphia sulphurea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Caelifera
- Family: Acrididae
- Subfamily: Oedipodinae
- Tribe: Arphiini
- Genus: Arphia
- Species: sulphurea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Arphia sulphurea: //ˈɑːr.fi.ə ˌsʌlˈfjʊr.i.ə//
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Summary
Arphia sulphurea, commonly known as the sulphur-winged grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper found primarily in eastern North America. It is characterized by its vibrant wing coloration and distinct life cycle, with adults predominantly active in spring.
Physical Characteristics
23-38 mm in length (males 23-31 mm, females 28-38 mm). Wings are usually yellow but can be orange or red toward the southwest, with a narrow dark band at the edge of the wing and a long dark spur from the band reaching toward the base. Raised ridge on pronotum usually uncut, head somewhat squared in front of eyes.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from similar species by adults flying primarily in the spring, with a larger size and a darker distinct wing band and spur. Males and females produce a loud harsh continuous crackling buzz in flight. Head is narrow at the front when seen from above.
Habitat
Open grassy or weedy areas, such as prairies, fields, roadsides, glades, etc.
Distribution
Eastern North America, from the middle tier of states (Manitoba to Texas) and into southern Canada, not found in northernmost Florida.
Diet
Grasses and some forbs.
Life Cycle
Overwinters as nearly grown nymphs with adults appearing in early spring, mostly common in May and June. Adults may live until August or September, especially in southern areas.
Evolution
Considered uncommon for not having synonyms and has been placed in various genera over time as classifications evolved.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- grasshopper
- insect
- Acrididae
- North America
- Orthoptera