Striped Slant-face Grasshopper
Amphitornus coloradus
This record describes Amphitornus coloradus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The rich blue hind tibiae separate it from similar species in the genera Eritettix & Opeia . Also, the pale stripe that is often seen down the middle of the back only rarely occurs in those species. In Opeia the top of the sides of the pronotum are more strictly parallel, and in Eritettix they are usually pinched in the middle more. In any given region, Amphitornus coloradus averages larger. Syrbula montezuma may look somewhat similar, but is considerably more slender with blackish hind wings. Other Syrbula are larger with different pattern, and more slender, sides of pronotum less parallel, hind tibiae not blue. Amblytropidia are also perhaps related and appear similar, but are a bit more stocky, are plainer looking with brownish (not blue) hind tibiae, and the fastigium is more smooth and rounded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Gomphocerinae
- Genus
- Amphitornus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grasslands
Geographic Range
A very common and widespread species found in grasslands of Western North America from southern Canada well into Mexico and east to the Midwestern United States. Found in all states west from Minnesota, Illinois, and Louisiana (rare near its eastern limits).
Seasonal Activity
adults June or July, with some living until first hard freezing.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as eggs laid in soil.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Amphitornus coloradus. 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 Striped Slant-face Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Striped Slant-face Grasshopper
What is Striped Slant-face Grasshopper?
Striped Slant-face Grasshopper (Amphitornus coloradus) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Striped Slant-face Grasshopper?
The rich blue hind tibiae separate it from similar species in the genera Eritettix & Opeia . Also, the pale stripe that is often seen down the middle of the back only rarely occurs in those species. In Opeia the top of the sides of the pronotum are more strictly parallel, and in Eritettix they are usually pinched in the middle more. In any given region, Amphitornus coloradus averages larger. Syrbula montezuma may look somewhat similar, but is considerably more slender with blackish hind wings. Other Syrbula are larger with different pattern, and more slender, sides of pronotum less parallel, hind tibiae not blue. Amblytropidia are also perhaps related and appear similar, but are a bit more stocky, are plainer looking with brownish (not blue) hind tibiae, and the fastigium is more smooth and rounded.
Where is Striped Slant-face Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grasslands |
| Range | A very common and widespread species found in grasslands of Western North America from southern Canada well into Mexico and east to the Midwestern United States. Found in all states west from Minnesota, Illinois, and Louisiana (rare near its eastern limits). |
When is Striped Slant-face Grasshopper active?
Striped Slant-face Grasshopper: seasonal activity - adults June or July, with some living until first hard freezing..
What is the life cycle of a Striped Slant-face Grasshopper?
Overwinters as eggs laid in soil.