Lactista

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Caelifera
Family: Acrididae
Subfamily: Oedipodinae
Tribe: Arphiini
Genus: Lactista

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lactista: /lɑkˈtɪstə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Lactista azteca by Juan Cruzado Cortés. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Lactista is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae with about 10 described species. They are important to their ecosystems and are characterized by their unique wing patterns and herbivorous diet.

Physical Characteristics

Band-winged grasshoppers are characterized by their long hind legs and membranous forewings which when at rest, are folded over the body. Specific physical characteristics may vary between species within the Lactista genus.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive banding on the wings when in flight and note the size and coloration of the body which can vary among species.

Habitat

Lactista species are typically found in grassy areas, open fields, and sometimes along trails where they can easily blend in with the vegetation.

Distribution

Approximately 10 described species of Lactista are distributed across various regions, specifics can vary by species but they are generally found in North and Central America.

Diet

As members of the family Acrididae, Lactista species are herbivorous, primarily feeding on grasses and other vegetation.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Eggs overwinter and nymphs emerge in the spring, undergoing several molts before reaching adulthood.

Reproduction

Reproduction typically occurs via copulation, and females lay eggs in soil or plant material, often in clusters.

Predators

Predators include birds, other insects, and small mammals that prey on grasshoppers.

Ecosystem Role

Lactista species contribute to the health of grassland ecosystems as herbivores and serve as a food source for various predators.

Collecting Methods

Sweep netting
Hand collecting
Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Ethanol preservation
Drying

Evolution

Lactista, like other grasshoppers, has evolved adaptations for a herbivorous diet and the ability to blend in with their environment to evade predators.