Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus
(Scudder, 1869)
short-winged mole cricket, lesser short-winged mole cricket
Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus is a flightless native to eastern Brazil that has been introduced to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. It is a significant turf pest, causing substantial economic damage to lawns and grasslands. Unlike , males do not produce calling songs to attract females. The is distinguished by its abbreviated wings and characteristic foreleg claw .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus: /ˌniː.oʊˌskæp.təˈɹɪs.kəs æbˈbri.vi.eɪ.təs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Florida Neoscapteriscus (N. borellii and N. vicinus) by forewing length relative to prothorax: N. abbreviatus has forewings shorter than prothorax, while have forewings exceeding prothorax length. Additionally, N. abbreviatus has hindwings shorter than the , whereas N. borellii and N. vicinus have hindwings longer than the abdomen. The two foreleg claws of N. abbreviatus diverge slightly with basal separation equal to or greater than claw base width.
Habitat
Coastal regions with sandy soils. Constructs burrows in grassland, agricultural fields, road verges, turf, and lawns.
Distribution
Native to eastern Brazil (type locality: Pernambuco). Introduced to Florida, United States (circa 1900); also present in Central America, the West Indies, and Georgia.
Diet
Roots and shoots of grasses and other plants; documented as causing damage to turf.
Host Associations
- grasses - herbivoreprimary food source; causes turf damage
Life Cycle
Females deposit in burrows. analogue fenoxycarb has been observed to reduce egg production.
Behavior
Males do not produce acoustic calling songs to attract females, unlike other . Constructs burrows in sandy substrates. Flightless due to abbreviated wing development.
Ecological Role
Herbivore and pest of turf . Serves as for introduced agents in Florida.
Human Relevance
Major turf pest in Florida; historically responsible for significant portion of estimated $40 million control expenditure in the state (1988 estimate). Subject to programs using Larra bicolor, tachinid fly , and . Previously controlled with .
Similar Taxa
- Neoscapteriscus borelliiOverlapping distribution in Florida; distinguished by longer forewings exceeding prothorax length and longer hindwings exceeding length
- Neoscapteriscus vicinusOverlapping distribution in Florida; distinguished by longer forewings exceeding prothorax length and longer hindwings exceeding length; males produce calling songs
More Details
Introduction pathway
Introduced to Florida around 1900, likely via turf, manure, or live plant material
Control history
formerly used for control but discontinued due to environmental concerns; agents introduced from South America established in Florida