Graminivore
Guides
Aulocara
slant-faced grasshoppers
Aulocara is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising at least three described species distributed across western North America. The genus includes economically significant rangeland pests, notably Aulocara elliotti (big-headed grasshopper), which can reach outbreak densities and cause substantial damage to grass forage. Species in this genus inhabit diverse grassland ecosystems from southern Canada to central Mexico.
Aulocara elliotti
Big-headed Grasshopper, Bigheaded Grasshopper, Elliott Grasshopper
Aulocara elliotti, commonly known as the big-headed grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It is a significant economic pest of rangeland grasses, often reaching outbreak densities of 20-40 individuals per square yard. The species is notable for its relatively large head, early spring emergence, and destructive feeding behavior that includes both consumption and cutting of grass leaves. It completes one generation annually and is frequently the dominant species in grasshopper assemblages across desert, mixedgrass, shortgrass, and bunchgrass prairies.
Eupnigodes megacephala
Big-headed grasshopper
Eupnigodes megacephala is a medium-sized grasshopper widely distributed across western North America. Formerly classified as Aulocara elliotti, this species is notable for its disproportionately large, rounded head and bright blue hind tibiae. It inhabits shortgrass prairies, desert grasslands, and occasionally montane areas up to 8,500 feet elevation. The species is economically significant as a rangeland pest, capable of reaching outbreak densities that severely reduce forage for livestock and promote soil erosion.
Limothrips
Grain thrips, Barley thrips
Limothrips is a genus of thrips in the family Thripidae comprising six recognized species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly Limothrips cerealium (grain thrips) and Limothrips denticornis (barley thrips), which feed on cereals and grasses. Species exhibit wing dimorphism, with both winged (macropterous) and wingless (apterous) forms documented. Several species have been documented as crop pests causing reduced seed set in wheat, oats, and barley.
Mermiria
mermiria grasshoppers, slant-faced grasshoppers
Mermiria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising at least four described species distributed across North America. These grasshoppers are characterized by their strongly slanted faces, long wings, and association with tallgrass prairie habitats. The genus includes economically significant species that feed on native and introduced grasses.
Mermiria bivittata
Two-striped Mermiria, Two-striped Slantface Grasshopper, Mermiria Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata is a large, long-winged slant-faced grasshopper of the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialist grass-feeder that reaches its highest densities in unplowed native grasslands with big bluestem, yellow indiangrass, and switchgrass. Though capable of outbreak densities and consuming more vegetation per individual than many smaller grasshoppers, it rarely becomes a significant agricultural pest due to generally low population densities and abundant forage production in its preferred habitat.