Linear-winged Grasshopper
Aptenopedes sphenarioides
This record describes Aptenopedes sphenarioides (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Green or purplish brown. Slant-faced, eyes large. Wings reduced to pads, even in adult, so flightless. See under Remarks on the genus page
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Melanoplini
- Genus
- Aptenopedes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open areas in pines, flatwoods, hammocks.
Geographic Range
Florida, southeastern Alabama, southern Georgia.
Seasonal Activity
In Florida, eggs hatch May-June and adults are found July-February.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Aptenopedes sphenarioides. 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 Linear-winged Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Tony DiTerlizzi , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Linear-winged Grasshopper
What is Linear-winged Grasshopper?
Linear-winged Grasshopper (Aptenopedes sphenarioides) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Linear-winged Grasshopper?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 16-23 mm. |
| Female | 22-30 mm |
How do you identify Linear-winged Grasshopper?
Green or purplish brown. Slant-faced, eyes large. Wings reduced to pads, even in adult, so flightless.
Where is Linear-winged Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open areas in pines, flatwoods, hammocks. |
| Range | Florida, southeastern Alabama, southern Georgia. |
When is Linear-winged Grasshopper active?
Linear-winged Grasshopper: seasonal activity - In Florida, eggs hatch May-June and adults are found July-February..