Showy Grasshopper
Hesperotettix speciosus
This record describes Hesperotettix speciosus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Bright green (rarely brown or purple), with eyes spotted white, veins of tegmina white, and body finely mottle in white. Pronotum with a fine network of irregular low narrow ridges (usually these are the white parts). Usually with a purplish red to pink stripe down the middle of the back, and similar coloring on the legs, though these markings may be missing. Not likey to be confused with any other species occuring in the same areas. Hesperotettix floridensis is very similar and closely related, but found in a different region. A striking brightly colored species, rather jewel-like in appearance. Often not noticed because it is well camouflaged on it's host plants, but rarely ignored once seen. Commonly associated with the Gorgone Checkerspot butterfly ( Chlosyne gorgone ), due to their preference for the same host plants and similar habitat.
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
Habitat
Mostly disturbed areas where course annual Composites grow. Especially old fields, field margins, roadsides, etc.
Geographic Range
Mostly on the Great Plains. From Illinois and Montana south to Texas and New Mexico, east of the Rockies.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Assorted Dicotyledonous plants, strongly prefering Composites, and primarily found on Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus & petiolaris ) and Marshelder ( Iva xanthifolia ). Sometimes abundant on other Sunflower species or Ragweed ( Ambrosia ) species.
Life History
overwinters as eggs adults summer until frost
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Hesperotettix speciosus. 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 Showy Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Showy Grasshopper
What is Showy Grasshopper?
Showy Grasshopper (Hesperotettix speciosus) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Showy Grasshopper?
Bright green (rarely brown or purple), with eyes spotted white, veins of tegmina white, and body finely mottle in white. Pronotum with a fine network of irregular low narrow ridges (usually these are the white parts). Usually with a purplish red to pink stripe down the middle of the back, and similar coloring on the legs, though these markings may be missing. Not likey to be confused with any other species occuring in the same areas. Hesperotettix floridensis is very similar and closely related, but found in a different region.
Where is Showy Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mostly disturbed areas where course annual Composites grow. Especially old fields, field margins, roadsides, etc. |
| Range | Mostly on the Great Plains. From Illinois and Montana south to Texas and New Mexico, east of the Rockies. |
What does Showy Grasshopper eat?
The diet of the Showy Grasshopper includes Assorted Dicotyledonous plants, strongly prefering Composites, and primarily found on Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus & petiolaris ) and Marshelder ( Iva xanthifolia ). Sometimes abundant on other Sunflower species or Ragweed ( Ambrosia ) species..
What is the life cycle of a Showy Grasshopper?
overwinters as eggs adults summer until frost