Conalcaea cantralli
This record describes Conalcaea cantralli (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinction as a species from Conalcaea huachucana is dubious, and based on minor differences in male genitalia. Conalcaea cantralli displaces Conalcaea huachucana geographically. Conalcaea huachucana subspecies coyoterae is roughly intermediate in character between C. cantralli and typical subspecies huachucana which occurs further to the southeast. C. cantralli has the male cerci somewhat more broadened apically (on average), and the aedeagus is somewhat different in shape. Distinction from other short-winged species it may occur with can be made by noting the lengthwise half and half color pattern of the small oval tegmina (front wings), this is commonly black and white, particularly in males. Hind tibiae are usually red or reddish. There is usually a pale middorsal stripe on the abdomen (sometimes on thorax and head too). Build is stockier than most other similar species which co-occur. Pronotum is emarginate (concave-angled) or sometimes almost straight at rear margin (in most related species it is convex and rounded or angled), and the top of the pronotum is distinctly wider at rear than at front with principal sulcus (cross groove that is furthest back) cutting middle roughly 2/3 the distance from front edge to back edge.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Conalcaeini
- Genus
- Conalcaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mostly associated with Pine and Oak woodland or scrub above about 6000 ft in mountains.
Geographic Range
extreme northwestern Gila, northern Yavapai, southern Coconino, and eastern Mojave Counties, Arizona; apparently not north of Colorado River.
Seasonal Activity
eggs hatch usually in spring with adults in summer and autumn
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Conalcaea cantralli. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conalcaea cantralli
What is Conalcaea cantralli?
Conalcaea cantralli is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Conalcaea cantralli?
Distinction as a species from Conalcaea huachucana is dubious, and based on minor differences in male genitalia. Conalcaea cantralli displaces Conalcaea huachucana geographically. Conalcaea huachucana subspecies coyoterae is roughly intermediate in character between C. cantralli and typical subspecies huachucana which occurs further to the southeast. C. cantralli has the male cerci somewhat more broadened apically (on average), and the aedeagus is somewhat different in shape. Distinction from other short-winged species it may occur with can be made by noting the lengthwise half and half color pattern of the small oval tegmina (front wings), this is commonly black and white, particularly in males. Hind tibiae are usually red or reddish. There is usually a pale middorsal stripe on the abdomen (sometimes on thorax and head too). Build is stockier than most other similar species which co-occur. Pronotum is emarginate (concave-angled) or sometimes almost straight at rear margin (in most related species it is convex and rounded or angled), and the top of the pronotum is distinctly wider at rear than at front with principal sulcus (cross groove that is furthest back) cutting middle roughly 2/3 the distance from front edge to back edge.
Where is Conalcaea cantralli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mostly associated with Pine and Oak woodland or scrub above about 6000 ft in mountains. |
| Range | extreme northwestern Gila, northern Yavapai, southern Coconino, and eastern Mojave Counties, Arizona; apparently not north of Colorado River. |
When is Conalcaea cantralli active?
Conalcaea cantralli: seasonal activity - eggs hatch usually in spring with adults in summer and autumn.