Slant-faced
Guides
Achurum
toothpick grasshoppers
Achurum is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as toothpick grasshoppers. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. These grasshoppers are noted for their slender, elongate bodies and cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against vegetation and substrates.
Aeropedellus clavatus
Club-horned Grasshopper, Clubhorned Grasshopper, Slant-faced Grasshopper
Aeropedellus clavatus, commonly known as the club-horned grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distinguished by its club-shaped antennae, with the last six segments enlarged and darker than the rest. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless with short wings, while males may have either short or long wings, with long-winged males capable of flight. It is one of the earliest-hatching grasshoppers in its range, emerging in early spring and completing development rapidly. Populations are most abundant in the Canadian prairies, where it is the most widely distributed grassland grasshopper species.
Ageneotettix
slant-faced grasshoppers
Ageneotettix is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by McNeill in 1897. The genus contains at least three described species: A. brevipennis, A. deorum, and A. salutator. Species in this genus are characteristic inhabitants of western North American grasslands, where they serve as important components of grasshopper assemblages. Ageneotettix deorum, the white-whiskered grasshopper, is particularly notable for its widespread distribution and frequent dominance in mixedgrass prairie communities, where it has been recorded contributing over 50% of total grasshopper population density in some locations.
Ageneotettix brevipennis
short-wing big-headed grasshopper
Ageneotettix brevipennis is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, distinguished by its notably short wings relative to body size. The species occurs across Central America, North America, and Mexico. It belongs to a genus characterized by large heads and grass-feeding habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Ageneotettix deorum
white-whiskered grasshopper, white whiskers grasshopper, sand grasshopper
Ageneotettix deorum is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper widely distributed across North American grasslands. It is frequently the dominant species in mixedgrass and bunchgrass prairie outbreaks, reaching densities of 25 adults per square yard. The species exhibits early-season hatching with nymphal development spanning 40–48 days. Adults are ground-dwelling, diurnal herbivores that feed on grasses and ground litter. Population dynamics show sensitivity to weather and predation, with outbreaks typically building over 3–5 years followed by sudden crashes.
Amblytropidia
Amblytropidia is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Stål in 1873. It contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the Caribbean, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as the southeastern United States. The genus belongs to the tribe Amblytropidiini within the subfamily Gomphocerinae. Members share the characteristic slant-faced head morphology typical of this grasshopper group.
Amphitornus
slant-faced grasshoppers
Amphitornus is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, tribe Eritettigini. The genus contains at least two described species: Amphitornus coloradus (striped slant-face grasshopper) and Amphitornus durangus. Members of this genus are recognized as economically significant rangeland pests in the western United States, particularly in Wyoming and Colorado. Amphitornus coloradus is specifically noted as one of six major pest species in southeastern Wyoming and is characterized by early-season hatching in mid-spring.
Amphitornus coloradus
striped slant-face grasshopper, striped grasshopper
Amphitornus coloradus is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper distributed across western North American grasslands. It is a significant pest of rangeland, feeding almost exclusively on grasses and sedges. The species is characterized by distinctive chocolate brown stripes running above the compound eyes and onto the pronotum. It is an early-hatching species with strong flight capabilities, though it rarely achieves dominant population status in grasshopper assemblages.
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.
Boopedon auriventris
short-winged boopie
Boopedon auriventris, commonly known as the short-winged boopie, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with records from Arkansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. As a member of the genus Boopedon, it shares characteristics with related species but is distinguished by specific morphological features. The species has been documented in 113 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate detection by naturalists.
Bruneria
slant-faced grasshoppers
Bruneria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, native to northwestern North America. The genus contains at least three described species: Bruneria brunnea (Bruner slant-faced grasshopper), Bruneria shastana (Shasta slant-faced grasshopper), and Bruneria yukonensis (Yukon slant-faced grasshopper). These grasshoppers inhabit mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The best-studied species, B. brunnea, is primarily a grass-feeder that can become a serious pest during population irruptions.
Chloealtis
slant-faced grasshoppers
Chloealtis is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing approximately five described species. Species in this genus are associated with forested and mountainous habitats in western North America. The genus has been studied extensively for its unusual meiotic chromosome behavior, particularly regarding synaptonemal complex formation and nuclear envelope attachment during cell division.
Chloealtis gracilis
graceful slant-face grasshopper, Graceful Grasshopper
Chloealtis gracilis is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, found in North America. The species is characterized by its slender build and sloping facial profile typical of the genus. It is documented in California and other parts of western North America.
Cordillacris
Cordillacris is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn in 1901. The genus contains two described species: Cordillacris crenulata (crenulated grasshopper) and Cordillacris occipitalis (spot-winged grasshopper). Both species are small, slender grasshoppers of western North American grasslands. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and coloration that distinguish it from related genera.
Dichromorpha viridis
Short-winged Green Grasshopper
Dichromorpha viridis is a common slant-faced grasshopper found throughout North America. Males are typically bright green with a dorsally slanting face, while females are usually larger and brown. This species exhibits environmentally induced sexual color dimorphism, with females occasionally appearing green and males rarely brown. It is a short-winged, flightless insect that inhabits grassy areas.
Eritettix
slant-faced grasshoppers
Eritettix is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Bruner in 1889. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America, including the type species Eritettix simplex (formerly described as Eritettix variabilis). Species in this genus are characterized by their slant-faced morphology, a trait typical of the subfamily Gomphocerinae. The genus has been documented in field guides to western grasshoppers, with Eritettix simplex (velvet-striped grasshopper) being the most frequently referenced species.
Eritettix abortivus
Texas short-winged slant-face grasshopper, Texas short-wing slantfaced grasshopper
Eritettix abortivus is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Bruner in 1889. It is commonly known as the Texas short-winged slant-face grasshopper, reflecting both its geographic association and reduced wing morphology. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Texas and broader distribution across Middle America. It belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae, a group characterized by slanted facial profiles and often abbreviated wings.
Eritettix simplex
velvet-striped grasshopper, velvet-striped locust
Eritettix simplex, the velvet-striped grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is characterized by distinctive velvet-like dark bands along the lateral carinae of the pronotum and three longitudinal carinae on the head. The species has an extensive range across North America, with major population centers in the Great Plains and Appalachian Mountains. It feeds almost exclusively on grasses and sedges, with blue grama being a highly preferred food plant.
Eupnigodes
Eupnigodes is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. The genus contains at least two described species, both restricted to the western United States. As members of the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Aulocarini, these grasshoppers share morphological features with related genera in this group. The genus was established by McNeill in 1897.
Gomphocerinae
slant-faced grasshoppers
Gomphocerinae is a large subfamily of grasshoppers comprising at least 192 genera and 1,274 species distributed across every continent except Antarctica and Australia. Members are commonly known as slant-faced grasshoppers due to their characteristic head morphology. The subfamily is distinguished by a uniform femoral stridulatory mechanism used for acoustic communication, and exhibits remarkable diversity in calling songs and courtship behaviors. Many species inhabit grasslands and serve as important components of terrestrial food webs, though some are significant agricultural pests.
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 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.
Mermiria intertexta
Coastal Toothpick Grasshopper, Eastern Mermiria
Mermiria intertexta, commonly known as the Coastal Toothpick Grasshopper or Eastern Mermiria, is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the eastern United States. The species belongs to the genus Mermiria, which includes several closely related slant-faced grasshoppers found in North American grasslands.
Mermiria picta
lively mermiria
Mermiria picta, commonly known as the lively mermiria, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the United States (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois) and northeastern Mexico. The species belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and is one of several species in the genus Mermiria found in western North American grasslands.
Opeia
obscure grasshopper
Opeia is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, tribe Eritettigini. It was described by McNeill in 1897. The genus contains at least two described species: Opeia atascosa (atascosa grasshopper) and Opeia obscura (obscure grasshopper). Opeia obscura is the more widely documented species and has been recorded in grasshopper surveys across western North America.
Opeia atascosa
atascosa grasshopper
Opeia atascosa is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1937. It belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Eritettigini. The species is distributed across parts of North America and Central America, with records from Arizona and broader Middle American regions. Like other members of its genus, it is characterized by a slanted facial profile typical of Gomphocerinae grasshoppers.
Orphulella
slant-faced pasture grasshoppers
Orphulella is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, tribe Orphulellini. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed throughout the Americas, from southern Canada to northern Mexico and South America. It is the most widely distributed and most species-abundant genus of North American Trypalinae (Gomphocerinae). Species are typically small, long-winged grasshoppers associated with grassland habitats.
Orphulella punctata
Orphulella punctata is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across South America, with confirmed records from Argentina, Bolivia, and multiple regions of Brazil. The species belongs to a genus characterized by slanted facial profiles and grass-feeding habits. Detailed biological studies for this species are limited; most ecological knowledge comes from congeneric species in North America.
Pseudopomala brachyptera
short-winged toothpick grasshopper, bunch grass locust, bunchgrass grasshopper
Pseudopomala brachyptera is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the short-winged toothpick grasshopper or bunch grass locust. It is most abundant in northeastern Wyoming but occurs wherever taller grasses are present. The species overwinters as eggs in the soil, with adults present from mid-July through August. Despite being a grass feeder, it rarely causes significant rangeland damage due to low population densities and restricted habitat requirements.
Psoloessa
brown-spotted range grasshopper (P. delicatula), Texas spotted range grasshopper (P. texana)
Psoloessa is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across western North America, from British Columbia to Mexico. Two species—P. delicatula (brown-spotted range grasshopper) and P. texana (Texas spotted range grasshopper)—are documented in Colorado and Wyoming grasshopper surveys. Members of this genus are characterized by their slant-faced morphology typical of the Gomphocerinae.
Psoloessa texana
Texas Range Grasshopper, Texas Spotted Range Grasshopper
Psoloessa texana is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and is part of the tribe Aulocarini.
Syrbula
slant-faced grasshoppers
Syrbula is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across grassland habitats of North America, from the southern United States through Central America. Syrbula species are notable among grasshoppers for their elaborate courtship behavior, which involves complex visual, acoustic, and chemical signals. Males perform intricate displays including leg movements and stridulation to attract females. The genus includes species such as the admirable grasshopper (S. admirabilis) and Montezuma's grasshopper (S. montezuma).
Syrbula montezuma
Montezuma's Grasshopper, slant-faced grasshopper
Syrbula montezuma is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, including the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is characterized by its slanted facial profile typical of the subfamily. It has been recorded in regions including Arizona and multiple ecological zones in Mexico.