San Nicolas Grasshopper
Conozoa nicola
This record describes Conozoa nicola (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apparently the only Conozoa on San Nicolas Island, with characteristics as for the genus. Lateral lobes of pronotum with hind angle rounded or only with a slight indication of a tooth. Pronotal carina well developed, cut once and often notched a second time in front of that. Wings pale yellow, greenish toward base with dark band narrow and often faint. Hind tibiae yellowish. C. clementina is similar, rougher of surface texture, and found on San Clemente Island.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Oedipodinae
- Tribe
- Trimerotropini
- Genus
- Conozoa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Apparently restricted to sandy and coastal bluff areas on San Nicolas Island, CA, where it was described as the most common species of grasshopper.
Seasonal Activity
adults spring through summer, most common in July and August.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Described as a Microtes because somewhat hairy, and because of dune related habits and habitat; however, Otte moved to Conozoa based on size, proportions, and morphology.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Conozoa nicola. 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 San Nicolas Grasshopper (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About San Nicolas Grasshopper
What is San Nicolas Grasshopper?
San Nicolas Grasshopper (Conozoa nicola) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is San Nicolas Grasshopper?
about 20 to 35 mm, with males smaller than females
How do you identify San Nicolas Grasshopper?
Apparently the only Conozoa on San Nicolas Island, with characteristics as for the genus. Lateral lobes of pronotum with hind angle rounded or only with a slight indication of a tooth. Pronotal carina well developed, cut once and often notched a second time in front of that. Wings pale yellow, greenish toward base with dark band narrow and often faint. Hind tibiae yellowish. C. clementina is similar, rougher of surface texture, and found on San Clemente Island.
Where is San Nicolas Grasshopper found?
Range: Apparently restricted to sandy and coastal bluff areas on San Nicolas Island, CA, where it was described as the most common species of grasshopper.
When is San Nicolas Grasshopper active?
San Nicolas Grasshopper: seasonal activity - adults spring through summer, most common in July and August..