High Plains Grasshopper

Dissosteira longipennis

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dissosteira longipennis: //ˌdɪs.əsˈtaɪ.rə ˌlɒn.dʒɪˈpɛn.ɪs//

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Summary

Dissosteira longipennis, or the High Plains Grasshopper, is a relatively uncommon species of grasshopper in North America, primarily in short grasslands. Though it historically caused crop damage during swarming events in the 1930s, it is now considered rare, with signs of increasing populations in some areas.

Physical Characteristics

A large, relatively slender grasshopper with transparent bluish wings at the base and clear to translucent white outer margins. Body and tegmina exhibit contrasting dark spot patterns. Hind tibiae are usually rich yellow. The pronotum has a higher crest and the head is proportionately larger.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from Dissosteira carolina by the transparent bluish wing base and clear to translucent white outer margins. Young nymphs can be differentiated by lack of black in hind tibiae and femora.

Habitat

Prefers undisturbed areas in short grassland with large areas of bare, often sandy soil. Can also be found along roadsides, in cultivated areas (especially fallow), and other grassland environments when abundant.

Distribution

Common in eastern Colorado and western Kansas; found from western Nebraska and southeastern Wyoming into northwestern Texas and eastern New Mexico. Recorded in Iowa, South Dakota, and Montana in some years.

Diet

Grasses.

Life Cycle

Overwinters as eggs laid in soil; adults mature in late spring or early summer, with some surviving until freezing weather.

Conservation Status

Has been quite rare across most of its range since the early 1980s but appears to be becoming more common in southeastern Colorado and southwestern Kansas in recent years.

Ecosystem Role

Part of the grasshopper community, can impact plant dynamics through herbivory, especially during outbreaks.

Economic Impact

Historically, when swarming, it has caused significant damage to crops in the western United States, particularly noted during the 1930s.

Cultural Significance

Frequently overlooked due to its resemblance to the more common Carolina Grasshopper.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Exhibits a migratory phase with individuals differing in proportions from the normal ones, especially under high-density populations.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often misidentified as the more common Carolina Grasshopper due to similar appearance, leading to its underreporting in the field.

Tags

  • grasshopper
  • orthoptera
  • Dissosteira
  • ecosystem
  • North America