Green Trigs

Cyrtoxipha

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Infraorder: Gryllidea
Family: Trigonidiidae
Genus: Cyrtoxipha

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyrtoxipha: //sɪərˈtɒksɪfə//

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

Images

Columbian Trig - Cyrtoxipha columbiana, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Common House Spider - Parasteatoda tepidariorum and prey - Cyrtoxipha columbiana, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Cyrtoxipha is a genus of green trigs within the Gryllidae family, recognized for their distinct curved ovipositor and green coloration. They inhabit grassy and wooded areas primarily in North America, with several species endemic to specific regions.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the genus Cyrtoxipha exhibit a curved ovipositor, which is a distinguishing feature of their morphology. They are characterized by their green coloration.

Identification Tips

These crickets can be identified by their unique curved sword-like ovipositor and green coloration. Acoustic behavior may also assist in identification, as each species may have distinct calls.

Habitat

Cyrtoxipha species are typically found in grassy areas and woodlands, often in regions with considerable vegetation.

Distribution

Cyrtoxipha columbiana is distributed from Florida north to New York and southeast to Texas. Other species like C. nola, C. confusa, and C. gundlachi are restricted to Florida.

Diet

Cyrtoxipha species are herbivorous, primarily feeding on grass and other plant materials.

Life Cycle

Information on the specific life cycle of Cyrtoxipha species is limited; however, as with many crickets, they undergo a simple metamorphosis from egg to nymph to adult.

Reproduction

The genus is known for its unique reproductive characteristics, particularly the ovipositor used by females to lay eggs in the ground or in plant tissue.

Ecosystem Role

Cyrtoxipha crickets play a role in the ecosystem as herbivores and as a food source for various predators.

Evolution

Evolutionarily, Cyrtoxipha crickets are part of the larger family Gryllidae, which exhibits a wide range of diversity across many environments.