Robust Shieldback
Atlanticus gibbosus
This record describes Atlanticus gibbosus (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Largest of our Atlanticus spp. Shape of the male cerci is distinctive
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Tettigoniidae (Katydids)
- Subfamily
- Tettigoniinae
- Genus
- Atlanticus (Eastern Shieldbacks)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL, GA, AL, and SC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Omnivorous
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Atlanticus gibbosus. 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 Robust Shieldback (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeffrey Cole; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Robust Shieldback
What is Robust Shieldback?
Robust Shieldback (Atlanticus gibbosus) is a species in the family Tettigoniidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Robust Shieldback?
Largest of our Atlanticus spp. Shape of the male cerci is distinctive
Where is Robust Shieldback found?
Range: FL, GA, AL, and SC
What does Robust Shieldback eat?
The diet of the Robust Shieldback includes Omnivorous.