Humphrey's Grasshopper
Barytettix humphreysii
This record describes Barytettix humphreysii (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color varies from light brown through grays to bluish (or combinations of these), with paler tan to whitish or yellowish markings, and sometimes with reddish tinges on hind femora and abdomen. Hind tibiae vary from yellow (most common) to red or bi-toned, and rarely to purplish (purple is more common southward in Mexico). Very similar to Conalcaea , and sometimes found together with it, though usually at lower elevations. Easiest distinction in adults is the tiny tegmina of this species are not divided into light and dark halves as in Conalcaea . Nymphs are very difficult to distinguish, but the dark pattern on the outer hind femur and the pronotum is likely to be more broken in this species than in the other. Similar to some short-winged Melanoplus species, but the pale mid-dorsal stripe on the abdomen, combined with larger size, broader build, and pale diagonal streak behind eye on pronotum, make this species fairly easy to distinguish from those.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Conalcaeini
- Genus
- Barytettix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mostly near upper edge of desert but below forested areas in rocky and broken terrain. Often found on rocky sides of arroyos and lower canyons. Usually associated with brush, which it likes to hide in if disturbed.
Geographic Range
southwest New Mexico (from Socorro County south and west), southeast and central Arizona, and Trans Pecos Texas.
Seasonal Activity
Can vary with rains, but eggs hatch mostly in spring or summer with adults from spring or summer until frost (occasionally living through winter as adults).
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Barytettix humphreysii. 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 Humphrey's Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Humphrey's Grasshopper
What is Humphrey's Grasshopper?
Humphrey's Grasshopper (Barytettix humphreysii) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Humphrey's Grasshopper?
Color varies from light brown through grays to bluish (or combinations of these), with paler tan to whitish or yellowish markings, and sometimes with reddish tinges on hind femora and abdomen. Hind tibiae vary from yellow (most common) to red or bi-toned, and rarely to purplish (purple is more common southward in Mexico). Very similar to Conalcaea , and sometimes found together with it, though usually at lower elevations. Easiest distinction in adults is the tiny tegmina of this species are not divided into light and dark halves as in Conalcaea . Nymphs are very difficult to distinguish, but the dark pattern on the outer hind femur and the pronotum is likely to be more broken in this species than in the other. Similar to some short-winged Melanoplus species, but the pale mid-dorsal stripe on the abdomen, combined with larger size, broader build, and pale diagonal streak behind eye on pronotum, make this species fairly easy to distinguish from those.
Where is Humphrey's Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mostly near upper edge of desert but below forested areas in rocky and broken terrain. Often found on rocky sides of arroyos and lower canyons. Usually associated with brush, which it likes to hide in if disturbed. |
| Range | southwest New Mexico (from Socorro County south and west), southeast and central Arizona, and Trans Pecos Texas. |
When is Humphrey's Grasshopper active?
Humphrey's Grasshopper: seasonal activity - Can vary with rains, but eggs hatch mostly in spring or summer with adults from spring or summer until frost (occasionally living through winter as adults)..