Sagebrush Grig
Cyphoderris strepitans
This record describes Cyphoderris strepitans (species). Recorded family: Prophalangopsidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Often seen sitting on tree trunks, old logs, or fence posts. Seems most common at the high points of gravelly hills and rises.
Wikipedia reference for Cyphoderris strepitans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagebrush_cricket.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Prophalangopsidae (Hump-winged Crickets)
- Genus
- Cyphoderris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
High elevation sagebrush meadows.
Geographic Range
Middle and Southern Rockies from Yellowstone Natl. Park area to southern Colorado, mostly in high elevation areas dominated by Big Sagebrush - Artemisia tridentata .
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Probably overwinters as nymphs. Adults June to August.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Cyphoderris strepitans. 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 Sagebrush Grig (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Sagebrush Grig
What is Sagebrush Grig?
Sagebrush Grig (Cyphoderris strepitans) is a species in the family Prophalangopsidae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is Sagebrush Grig found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | High elevation sagebrush meadows. |
| Range | Middle and Southern Rockies from Yellowstone Natl. Park area to southern Colorado, mostly in high elevation areas dominated by Big Sagebrush - Artemisia tridentata . |
What is the life cycle of a Sagebrush Grig?
Probably overwinters as nymphs. Adults June to August.