San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus franciscanus
This record describes Melanoplus franciscanus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
These grasshoppers tend to look a little different in each mountain range they occupy, and it is possible that at least some of these populations are distinct enough to deserve species ranking. However, for the time being they are all grouped together under the one name. It is worth noting that M. walshii, M. tunicae, M. alabamae, M. querneus, & M. nigrescens are very similar species, but occur far to the east (beyond Texas and the Great Plains).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Melanoplini
- Genus
- Melanoplus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open sunny grassy (but relatively dry) areas, often stony, usually associated with Pine or other conifers.
Geographic Range
Guadalupe Mountains in Texas and San Mateo Mountains (Socorro County) in New Mexico to San Francisco Peaks in Arizona.
Seasonal Activity
Adults mostly in summer and autumn. Overwinters as eggs
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Melanoplus franciscanus. 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 San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper
What is San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper?
San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper (Melanoplus franciscanus) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open sunny grassy (but relatively dry) areas, often stony, usually associated with Pine or other conifers. |
| Range | Guadalupe Mountains in Texas and San Mateo Mountains (Socorro County) in New Mexico to San Francisco Peaks in Arizona. |
When is San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper active?
San Francisco Short-wing Grasshopper: seasonal activity - Adults mostly in summer and autumn. Overwinters as eggs.