Big-headed Grasshopper
Aulocara elliotti
This record describes Aulocara elliotti (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A fairly variable species. Typically with a pale X on the pronotum, though it may be partial or faded. Hind femur with two black bands, visible from above. Hind tibia blue. Wings extend beyond the tip of the abdomen. Does indeed seem to have a big head.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Gomphocerinae
- Genus
- Aulocara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Short-grass prairie with some patches of bare ground
Geographic Range
Western half of the US, southern Canada, and north-central Mexico
Seasonal Activity
July-September
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Aulocara elliotti. 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 Big-headed Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Big-headed Grasshopper
What is Big-headed Grasshopper?
Big-headed Grasshopper (Aulocara elliotti) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Big-headed Grasshopper?
A fairly variable species. Typically with a pale X on the pronotum, though it may be partial or faded. Hind femur with two black bands, visible from above. Hind tibia blue. Wings extend beyond the tip of the abdomen. Does indeed seem to have a big head.
Where is Big-headed Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Short-grass prairie with some patches of bare ground |
| Range | Western half of the US, southern Canada, and north-central Mexico |
When is Big-headed Grasshopper active?
Big-headed Grasshopper: seasonal activity - July-September.