Atascosa Gem Grasshopper
Aztecacris gloriosa
This record describes Aztecacris gloriosa (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rather similar in appearance to Hesperotettix and Poecilotettix , but somewhat stockier in build; male with upper margin of subgenital plate not elevated near base, but nearly flat; with short oval tegmina ( Hesperotettix & Poecilotettix in south Arizona don't have short wings). Green with red on legs and as a stripe down middle of back. Type Locality: Arizona, Santa Cruz Co., Pajaritos Mountains, S slopes of Atascosa Peak Some believed this species to be extinct, since it had not been officially reported since the 1940's, but it was photographed again in 2011 (BG data).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Dactylotini
- Genus
- Aztecacris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rocky slopes in open Oak - Woodland savannah.
Geographic Range
Known only from south central Arizona - Map (GBIF), but probably also in adjacent northern Sonora.
Seasonal Activity
Sept-Nov (GBIF)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Favors shrubs in the Asteraceae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Type locality near Atascosa Peak in AZ.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Aztecacris gloriosa. 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 Atascosa Gem Grasshopper (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Atascosa Gem Grasshopper
What is Atascosa Gem Grasshopper?
Atascosa Gem Grasshopper (Aztecacris gloriosa) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Atascosa Gem Grasshopper?
about 16-25 mm
How do you identify Atascosa Gem Grasshopper?
Rather similar in appearance to Hesperotettix and Poecilotettix , but somewhat stockier in build; male with upper margin of subgenital plate not elevated near base, but nearly flat; with short oval tegmina ( Hesperotettix & Poecilotettix in south Arizona don't have short wings). Green with red on legs and as a stripe down middle of back.
Where is Atascosa Gem Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rocky slopes in open Oak - Woodland savannah. |
| Range | Known only from south central Arizona - Map (GBIF), but probably also in adjacent northern Sonora. |
What does Atascosa Gem Grasshopper eat?
The diet of the Atascosa Gem Grasshopper includes Favors shrubs in the Asteraceae..
When is Atascosa Gem Grasshopper active?
Atascosa Gem Grasshopper: seasonal activity - Sept-Nov (GBIF).