Tetrix ornata

(Say, 1824)

ornate pygmy grasshopper, ornate grouse locust

Tetrix ornata is a of pygmy in the Tetrigidae, native to North America. It is one of the more frequently observed tetrigids in its range, with 85 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1824 and includes four recognized with distinct geographic distributions across the continent.

Tetriginae DSC01303a by
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Tetriginae DSC01300a by
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Tetriginae DSC01294a by
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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetrix ornata: /ˈtɛtrɪks ɔrˈnɑːtə/

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

Identification

Tetrix ornata can be distinguished from similar pygmy grasshoppers by a variable white blotch on the pronotum. This marking appears to be a key identification feature within the Tetrix, though the exhibits considerable morphological variation across its range. The pronotum shape and extent of the white pronotal marking should be compared against T. arenosa and other Nearctic Tetrix species.

Images

Habitat

Pygmy grasshoppers in the Tetrix are typically found in moist near water sources, including pond margins, stream edges, and wet meadows. They are often encountered in leaf litter in these environments.

Distribution

Native to North America. Documented occurrence records include California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana. Four are recognized with distinct ranges: T. o. ornata (the nominate subspecies), T. o. hancocki, T. o. insolens, and T. o. occidua.

Similar Taxa

Tetrix arenosaShares the and similar preferences; distinguished by pronotal markings (T. arenosa has a variable white blotch on the pronotum, while T. ornata typically shows a different pronotal pattern)
Tettigidea lateralisBoth are Nearctic pygmy grasshoppers; T. lateralis is distinguished by bold white femoral markings and generally larger size (up to 15mm)

More Details

Subspecies

Four are recognized: Tetrix ornata ornata (Say, 1824) — the nominate subspecies; Tetrix ornata hancocki (Morse, 1899); Tetrix ornata insolens Rehn and Grant, 1956; and Tetrix ornata occidua Rehn and Grant, 1956. These subspecies likely reflect geographic variation in coloration and pronotum across the ' range.