Nomotettix cristatus

(Scudder, 1862)

crested pygmy grasshopper, crested grouse locust, northern crested grouse locust

Nomotettix cristatus is a small pygmy in the Tetrigidae, commonly known as the crested pygmy grasshopper or crested grouse locust. It is one of approximately 35 Nearctic of Tetrigidae. The species exhibits three recognized with distinct geographic distributions across North America. Like other members of its family, it is characterized by an elongated pronotum that extends over the , a trait distinguishing pygmy grasshoppers from typical grasshoppers in Acrididae.

Nomotettix cristatus by Jimmy Dee. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nomotettix cristatus: /ˌnɔmoʊˈtɛtɪks krɪˈsteɪtəs/

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Identification

Members of Nomotettix can be distinguished from other Nearctic Tetrigidae by features of the pronotum and body proportions. N. cristatus specifically is recognized by the crested or elevated carina of the pronotum, which gives the its . The three (N. c. cristatus, N. c. compressus, N. c. floridanus) differ in pronotal shape and geographic distribution. Accurate identification to subspecies level requires examination of pronotal compression and the degree of crest development.

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Habitat

Associated with moist environments near water, including lake shores, pond margins, and stream edges. Found in leaf litter and ground-level vegetation in these .

Distribution

North America (Nearctic region). Documented from Alberta, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. The show geographic partitioning: N. c. cristatus in northern regions, N. c. compressus in intermediate areas, and N. c. floridanus in Florida.

Behavior

are capable of jumping using enlarged hind typical of Orthoptera.

Similar Taxa

  • Tetrix speciesAlso small pygmy grasshoppers with elongated pronota, but differ in pronotal carination and body proportions; Tetrix is more widespread in the Holarctic and more frequently encountered by naturalists.
  • Paratettix speciesNearctic pygmy grasshoppers with similar preferences near water, but differ in pronotal shape and geographic distribution patterns.

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