Smaller Sand Cricket
Ellipes minuta
This record describes Ellipes minuta (species). Recorded family: Tridactylidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Antennae | Antennae with 10 segments in both sexes (compare with E. gurneyi , monticolus , and californicus ). |
| Pronotum | Pronotum basically blackish, with laterocaudal corners pale and with a few small pale spots. |
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
sandy areas along margins of water
Geographic Range
NJ-MN to FL-CA; Cuba, Mesoamerica
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Algae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ellipes minuta (Scudder)
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Ellipes minuta. 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 Smaller Sand Cricket (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Smaller Sand Cricket
What is Smaller Sand Cricket?
Smaller Sand Cricket (Ellipes minuta) is a species in the family Tridactylidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Smaller Sand Cricket?
4-5 mm
How do you identify Smaller Sand Cricket?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Antennae | Antennae with 10 segments in both sexes (compare with E. gurneyi , monticolus , and californicus ). |
| Pronotum | Pronotum basically blackish, with laterocaudal corners pale and with a few small pale spots. |
Where is Smaller Sand Cricket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sandy areas along margins of water |
| Range | NJ-MN to FL-CA; Cuba, Mesoamerica |
What does Smaller Sand Cricket eat?
The diet of the Smaller Sand Cricket includes Algae.