Columbian Trig
Cyrtoxipha columbiana
This record describes Cyrtoxipha columbiana (species). Recorded family: Trigonidiidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only green trig in most of its range, except Florida. Eyes yellow to red.
Wikipedia reference for Cyrtoxipha columbiana: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrtoxipha_columbiana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Trigonidiidae (Trigs and Ground Crickets)
- Subfamily
- Trigonidiinae
- Genus
- Cyrtoxipha (Green Trigs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs, often found high up
Geographic Range
TX-FL-NJ-IL - Map - SINA BugGuide records extend this range to NY and southern New England.
Seasonal Activity
May-Oct (BG data)
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Cyrtoxipha columbiana. 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 Columbian Trig (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbian Trig
What is Columbian Trig?
Columbian Trig (Cyrtoxipha columbiana) is a species in the family Trigonidiidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Columbian Trig?
7-9 mm
How do you identify Columbian Trig?
The only green trig in most of its range, except Florida. Eyes yellow to red.
Where is Columbian Trig found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs, often found high up |
| Range | TX-FL-NJ-IL - Map - SINA BugGuide records extend this range to NY and southern New England. |
When is Columbian Trig active?
Columbian Trig: seasonal activity - May-Oct (BG data).