Ellipes californicus
This record describes Ellipes californicus (species). Recorded family: Tridactylidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennae of male with 11 and female with 12 segments (as in E. gurneyi and E. monticolus ). Extensive yellow coloration; pronotum with broad yellow border, central disk with characteristic black markings. Hind wings not reaching end of abdomen. Caudal margin of female subgenital plate rounded, without median truncated process.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Tridactylidae (Pygmy Mole 'Crickets')
- Genus
- Ellipes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Type material all appears to be from canyons and the creeks that flow within them. Paratypes from Diablito Canyon, Baja California, were collected "on damp sand at edge of stream".
Geographic Range
Reported from three localities in Baja California as well as San Diego co., CA
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Ellipes californicus. 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 Ellipes californicus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellipes californicus
What is Ellipes californicus?
Ellipes californicus is a species in the family Tridactylidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Ellipes californicus?
Antennae of male with 11 and female with 12 segments (as in E. gurneyi and E. monticolus ). Extensive yellow coloration; pronotum with broad yellow border, central disk with characteristic black markings. Hind wings not reaching end of abdomen. Caudal margin of female subgenital plate rounded, without median truncated process.
Where is Ellipes californicus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Type material all appears to be from canyons and the creeks that flow within them. Paratypes from Diablito Canyon, Baja California, were collected on damp sand at edge of stream. |
| Range | Reported from three localities in Baja California as well as San Diego co., CA |