Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper
Chortophaga mendocino
This record describes Chortophaga mendocino (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Much like other Chortophaga , especially like C. australior in build, and like C. viridifasciata in coloring. Wings of females often shorter than abdomen and sometimes not reaching tips of hind femora. Very similar to Chimarocephala pacifica , which may occur with it. Differing by subtle differences, most obvious less rugose pronotum, less flared upper side of hind femora (most noticeable in females), somewhat stockier build, and wider less deeply excavated fastigium.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Oedipodinae
- Tribe
- Chortophagini
- Genus
- Chortophaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Described as preferring "exposed grassy slopes, especially those with a southern exposure".
Geographic Range
near coast in California from Bay area north into Mendocino County
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Most likely grasses, but apparently not documented
Life History
Eggs hatch in late summer or autumn; overwintering as nymphs. Adults February or March into May or June, perhaps some surviving longer.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Chortophaga mendocino. 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 Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper
What is Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper?
Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper (Chortophaga mendocino) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Described as preferring exposed grassy slopes, especially those with a southern exposure. |
| Range | near coast in California from Bay area north into Mendocino County |
What does Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper eat?
The diet of the Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper includes Most likely grasses, but apparently not documented.
What is the life cycle of a Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper?
Eggs hatch in late summer or autumn; overwintering as nymphs. Adults February or March into May or June, perhaps some surviving longer.