Phytophilous
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Aeoloplides turnbulli
thistle grasshopper, Russian thistle grasshopper, saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides turnbulli is a medium-sized, robust spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the thistle grasshopper or Russian thistle grasshopper. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: A. t. turnbulli in the north and A. t. bruneri in the south, distinguished primarily by wing length. It is an early-hatching species with a prolonged nymphal development period of 50–60 days. The species has demonstrated outbreak potential, with historical population irruptions documented in western Kansas during the 1930s and in the Big Horn Basin, Wyoming, in 1993.
Hesperotettix viridis
snakeweed grasshopper, meadow purple-striped grasshopper, green-streak grasshopper
Hesperotettix viridis is a medium-sized, spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to North America. It is an oligophagous species specialized on composite plants (Asteraceae), particularly snakeweeds (Gutierrezia spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and rabbitbrushes. Populations show host-associated genetic differentiation, with distinct lineages adapted to different host plants. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive snakeweeds. Four subspecies are recognized, varying in wing length and geographic distribution.
Hesperotettix viridis viridis
Snakeweed Grasshopper
Hesperotettix viridis viridis, the Snakeweed Grasshopper, is a medium-sized, oligophagous grasshopper endemic to North America that feeds primarily on composite plants (Asteraceae) in the tribe Astereae. It is notable for its host plant-associated genetic differentiation, with populations on different host plants showing significant genetic structuring. The subspecies has long wings capable of dispersal and exhibits specialized foraging behavior responsive to local food depletion.
grasshopperMelanoplinaespecialist-herbivorehost-associated-differentiationbiological-controlrangelandAsteraceaeoligophagousphytophilousecological-speciationNorth-AmericaWyomingColoradoNew-MexicoKansassnakeweedGutierreziaSolidagoAFLPpopulation-geneticsforaging-behaviordispersalsubspecies-viridis-viridisHypochlora alba
Cudweed Grasshopper, Mugwort Grasshopper, Sage Grasshopper
Hypochlora alba is a short-winged, monophagous grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is the only known grasshopper species capable of surviving on cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), a plant whose pubescent leaves deter other grasshoppers. The species is found in grasslands east of the Rocky Mountains, where its distribution closely tracks that of its host plant. It is primarily flightless, with females occasionally producing long-winged forms. The species has been studied as a model for specialist herbivore-plant interactions and phytophilous behavior.
Melanoplus bowditchi
Sagebrush Grasshopper
Melanoplus bowditchi, commonly known as the sagebrush grasshopper, is a medium-sized spurthroated grasshopper in the subfamily Melanoplinae. It is widely distributed across western North American grasslands where sagebrush is present. The species exhibits strong host plant specificity, feeding almost exclusively on sagebrush species, particularly silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana) and sand sagebrush (A. filifolia). Despite its potential to damage valuable forage plants, populations remain at low densities and significant economic impact has not been documented.
Mermiria bivittata maculipennis
Twostriped Slantfaced Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata maculipennis is a subspecies of the twostriped slantfaced grasshopper, a large, long-winged grasshopper widely distributed in North America with its center of distribution in the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialized grass-feeder inhabiting tall grass communities, particularly big bluestem, yellow indiangrass, and switchgrass. The subspecies is characterized by specific wing patterning as indicated by the epithet 'maculipennis' (spotted wings). It is a late-hatching species with relatively slow nymphal development, and while capable of reaching outbreak densities, it rarely becomes a significant economic pest due to generally low population densities in its productive grassland habitats.
Phoetaliotes nebrascensis
large-headed grasshopper, largeheaded grasshopper, red-nosed grasshopper, big head, large-headed locust
Phoetaliotes nebrascensis is a medium-sized, slim spur-throated grasshopper distinguished by its disproportionately large head relative to body size. It is a dominant species in North American tallgrass prairie and common in lush patches of mixedgrass prairie. The species exhibits wing dimorphism: most adults have short, non-functional wings, while a small percentage possess long wings enabling flight. It feeds almost exclusively on grasses, an unusual trait among spur-throated grasshoppers.