Microtes pogonata
This record describes Microtes pogonata (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to M. occidentalis . Differing in tegmina usually equaling or only slightly surpasing end of hind femora; head a bit more rounded in profile; body is apparently more hairy, even on top; pronotal crest perhaps averaging lower and twice cut (usaully once cut or with front cut only a notched depression. Found south from M. occidentalis and more inland from the shore (? probably never together ?).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Oedipodinae
- Tribe
- Trimerotropini
- Genus
- Microtes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Reported from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, California.
Seasonal Activity
adults in summer (probably late spring thru summer)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pogonata is from Greek pogon (πωγων)- "beard"
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Microtes pogonata. 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 Microtes pogonata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Microtes pogonata
What is Microtes pogonata?
Microtes pogonata is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Microtes pogonata?
about 15 - 24 mm (males smaller and more slender than females)
How do you identify Microtes pogonata?
Very similar to M. occidentalis . Differing in tegmina usually equaling or only slightly surpasing end of hind femora; head a bit more rounded in profile; body is apparently more hairy, even on top; pronotal crest perhaps averaging lower and twice cut (usaully once cut or with front cut only a notched depression. Found south from M. occidentalis and more inland from the shore (? probably never together ?).
Where is Microtes pogonata found?
Range: Reported from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, California.
When is Microtes pogonata active?
Microtes pogonata: seasonal activity - adults in summer (probably late spring thru summer).