Pecos Arphia
Arphia pecos
This record describes Arphia pecos (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to Arphia simplex , but the forhead is less projected in front of the eyes and more rounded, with side ridges at the front of the fastigium not prominent. Wings more often darker in color (orange to red). It is usually found as adult in the summer (instead of the spring). Also similar to Arphia conspersa , but larger, with somewhat higher pronotal crest, with smoother forehead area. Hind wing patter is different (further from apex of wing, less even in width, and with wider spur in A. conspersa ). A. conspersa overwinters as nymphs and is most abundant as adults in later winter and spring. Very closely related to the Mexican Arphia nietana, and perhaps not specifically distinct from it.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Oedipodinae
- Tribe
- Arphiini
- Genus
- Arphia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Apparently mostly broken terrain in near desert conditions.
Geographic Range
As yet not fully documented, but found from the Edwards Plateau region of Texas to se. New Mexico and south into northeastern Mexico. Also reported from se. New Mexico.
Seasonal Activity
Adults mostly July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Probably overwintering as eggs laid in the ground.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Arphia pecos. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecos Arphia
What is Pecos Arphia?
Pecos Arphia (Arphia pecos) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Pecos Arphia?
Similar to Arphia simplex , but the forhead is less projected in front of the eyes and more rounded, with side ridges at the front of the fastigium not prominent. Wings more often darker in color (orange to red). It is usually found as adult in the summer (instead of the spring). Also similar to Arphia conspersa , but larger, with somewhat higher pronotal crest, with smoother forehead area. Hind wing patter is different (further from apex of wing, less even in width, and with wider spur in A. conspersa ). A. conspersa overwinters as nymphs and is most abundant as adults in later winter and spring.
Where is Pecos Arphia found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Apparently mostly broken terrain in near desert conditions. |
| Range | As yet not fully documented, but found from the Edwards Plateau region of Texas to se. New Mexico and south into northeastern Mexico. Also reported from se. New Mexico. |
When is Pecos Arphia active?
Pecos Arphia: seasonal activity - Adults mostly July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Pecos Arphia?
Probably overwintering as eggs laid in the ground.