Hesperotettix pacificus
This record describes Hesperotettix pacificus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Much like Hesperotettix viridis except wings short (usually no longer than pronotum), with tegmina broad and rounded, and usually not touching over back. When short-winged, H. viridis have tegmina narrower in proportion and usually narrowed or even pointed apically, usaully touching over back, and mostly longer than pronotum. H. pacificus is found near coast in California, while H. viridis is found further inland. Other similar short-winged types occur east of California, and do no overlap in distributions with H. pacificus .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Podismini
- Genus
- Hesperotettix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
near Pacific coast, California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The question of weather this should be treated as a subspecies of H. viridis has been debated, and needs further attention.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Hesperotettix pacificus. 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 Hesperotettix pacificus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Hesperotettix pacificus
What is Hesperotettix pacificus?
Hesperotettix pacificus is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Hesperotettix pacificus?
Much like Hesperotettix viridis except wings short (usually no longer than pronotum), with tegmina broad and rounded, and usually not touching over back. When short-winged, H. viridis have tegmina narrower in proportion and usually narrowed or even pointed apically, usaully touching over back, and mostly longer than pronotum. H. pacificus is found near coast in California, while H. viridis is found further inland. Other similar short-winged types occur east of California, and do no overlap in distributions with H. pacificus .
Where is Hesperotettix pacificus found?
Range: near Pacific coast, California