Club-horned Grasshopper
Aeropedellus clavatus
This record describes Aeropedellus clavatus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are easy to recognize because of the clubbed antennae. The antennae aren't as strongly clubbed on the females. Similar to Chorthippus , but the pattern on the hind legs, slightly bulkier build, and the lack of much yellow below are usually good clues. Also, Chorthippus curtipennis usually has black knees.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Gomphocerinae
- Genus
- Aeropedellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains; one of the highest ranging species in North America, reported to nearly 14000 ft in Colorado
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Aeropedellus clavatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Orthoptera includes ~28,000 described species of grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. Desert locusts can form swarms covering 460 square miles containing up to 80 million individuals per square kilometer.
Ecological role of the group
Grasshoppers and crickets are a primary food source for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Cricket farming is a growing industry - crickets require 12× less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein, using 2,000× less water.
Economic and practical significance of the group
A single large locust swarm can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people. The 2019-2021 East Africa locust crisis affected food security for 42 million people across multiple countries. Global crop losses from locusts can reach billions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, UN World Food Programme, research publications. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Club-horned Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Club-horned Grasshopper
What is Club-horned Grasshopper?
Club-horned Grasshopper (Aeropedellus clavatus) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Club-horned Grasshopper?
Males are easy to recognize because of the clubbed antennae. The antennae aren't as strongly clubbed on the females. Similar to Chorthippus , but the pattern on the hind legs, slightly bulkier build, and the lack of much yellow below are usually good clues. Also, Chorthippus curtipennis usually has black knees.
Where is Club-horned Grasshopper found?
Range: Northern Plains and Rocky Mountains; one of the highest ranging species in North America, reported to nearly 14000 ft in Colorado