Pygmy Grasshoppers

Tetrigidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Caelifera
Family: Tetrigidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetrigidae: /tɛˈtrɪɡɪdiː/

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

Images

Tetriginae DSC01303a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Tetrix subulata immersion sous eau La tour de salvagny Remi Chabert CC BY SA 4.0 by Rémi Chabert. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Paratettix cucullatus P1390119a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper - Tetrix arenosa, Julie Metz Wetlands, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Tetrix subulata femelle 20220511 Remi Chabert CC BY SA 4.0 by Rémi Chabert. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

P cucullatus by Cody Hough. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Tetrigidae, commonly known as pygmy grasshoppers or groundhoppers, are an ancient and diverse family of Orthoptera, recognized for their unique morphology and ecological adaptations, particularly in aquatic environments.

Physical Characteristics

Typically less than 20 mm in length, characterized by a long pronotum that extends over the length of the abdomen and sometimes to the tip of the wings; often cryptic in coloration with some mimicking leaves, stones, or twigs. Females are usually larger than males and some individuals may appear green due to algae growth.

Identification Tips

Recognizable by the long pronotum, lack of an arolium between the claws, and a tarsal formula of 2-2-3. A dorsal subapical notch or tooth on the hind femora may be present.

Habitat

Usually found near water bodies like ponds and streams, but can also occur in dry habitats, woodlands, old fields, and sandy areas with lichen.

Distribution

Worldwide, with approximately 2060 species in around 280 genera.

Diet

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on roots, seedlings, algae, moss, and organic muck.

Life Cycle

Undergoes hemimetabolous development with eggs hatching into nymphs; typically overwinter as adults. One brood per year in the north and two in southern areas.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs in late spring; some species reproduce by parthenogenesis and eggs may be laid underwater.

Ecosystem Role

Part of the aquatic and terrestrial food webs, depending on aquatic primary production, particularly in temperate regions.

Evolution

An ancient family in the order Orthoptera, related to crickets and grasshoppers, with structural adaptions for a specific ecological niche.