Snakeweed

Guides

• 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.

  grasshopperAcrididaeMelanoplinaespecialist-herbivorehost-associated-differentiationbiological-controlAsteraceaesnakeweedNorth-Americaoligophagyphytophilousspur-throatedecological-speciation

• 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-viridis