Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper
Cibolacris samalayucae
This record describes Cibolacris samalayucae (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to Cibolacris parviceps in morphology and behavior. Averages slightly more slender in build with the pronotum more roughened. Coloring of C. samalayucae is more evenly speckled with tiny dark spots, and larger dark spots are mostly lacking. The hind margin of the pronotum is usually not (or only slightly) darkened, and there are usually no prominent large dark spots on the top side of the hind femora. The transparent hind wings are apparently always yellowish (sometimes slightly greenish) toward the base, with the apical half somewhat darkened smoky gray. Wing colring is pretty much the same as in C. parviceps from the same region (though C. parviceps may also have bluish wings in regions further west). It seems that where C. samalayucae is found, C. parviceps never is. In other regions (i.e. the Canyonlands region of Utah and Colorado) C. parviceps is often similar looking to C. samalayucae when it is found associated on sand. It may be that the two are environmental expressions or subspecies of a single species, but this question needs more study. For now C. samalayucae is treated in literature as a distinct species, and it is usually recognizably different in appearance.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Gomphocerinae
- Genus
- Cibolacris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Known from areas of wind deposited sand, mostly dunes and surrounding areas with Honey Mesquite "hummocks". Usually there is very little vegetation, but usually when this grasshopper is developing and mature there are sparse grasses, a few species of perennial herbs, and Russian Thistle present as potential green food sources.
Geographic Range
Documented from far west Trans-Pecos Texas, northern Chihuahua, and south central New Mexico. A thorough search in spring of sand areas may expand this known range somewhat.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Undocumented, likely mixed plant species.
Life History
Eggs hatch late in season and nymphs overwinter, with adults present in late winter and spring. Some adults live through summer, and it is possible that there is a Summer brood that may or may not occur depending on summer rains.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Cibolacris samalayucae. 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 Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper
What is Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper?
Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper (Cibolacris samalayucae) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper?
Very similar to Cibolacris parviceps in morphology and behavior. Averages slightly more slender in build with the pronotum more roughened. Coloring of C. samalayucae is more evenly speckled with tiny dark spots, and larger dark spots are mostly lacking. The hind margin of the pronotum is usually not (or only slightly) darkened, and there are usually no prominent large dark spots on the top side of the hind femora. The transparent hind wings are apparently always yellowish (sometimes slightly greenish) toward the base, with the apical half somewhat darkened smoky gray. Wing colring is pretty much the same as in C. parviceps from the same region (though C. parviceps may also have bluish wings in regions further west).
Where is Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Known from areas of wind deposited sand, mostly dunes and surrounding areas with Honey Mesquite hummocks. Usually there is very little vegetation, but usually when this grasshopper is developing and mature there are sparse grasses, a few species of perennial herbs, and Russian Thistle present as potential green food sources. |
| Range | Documented from far west Trans-Pecos Texas, northern Chihuahua, and south central New Mexico. A thorough search in spring of sand areas may expand this known range somewhat. |
What does Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper eat?
The diet of the Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper includes Undocumented, likely mixed plant species..
What is the life cycle of a Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper?
Eggs hatch late in season and nymphs overwinter, with adults present in late winter and spring. Some adults live through summer, and it is possible that there is a Summer brood that may or may not occur depending on summer rains.