Orphulella punctata
This record describes Orphulella punctata (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lateral pronotal carinae cut by 2 (sometimes 3) sulci (as in O. pelidna); forewings extending beyond end of abdomen; hind femora usually with spots along the lower outer carinula and with one or two larger spots along the top marginal area . Overall body coloration variable. The earliest apparent instance of this species in FL is an iNaturalist photo from 2013. In recent years (2018-2022), many additional images have been posted to iNaturalist, in an area from about Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead. Apparently mostly inhabiting disturbed grassy places such as urban parks, lawns, and vacant lots. Does not appear to have moved into the Everglades region, except along roadsides.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Gomphocerinae
- Genus
- Orphulella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Common in grassy areas, old fields, pastures, roadsides, etc
Geographic Range
Central MX to Argentina; most Caribbean islands . Apparently recently introduced into southern FL - see Remarks below.
Seasonal Activity
Adults found year-round in Central America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Presumably grasses
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Orphulella punctata. 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 Orphulella punctata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Orphulella punctata
What is Orphulella punctata?
Orphulella punctata is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Orphulella punctata?
Lateral pronotal carinae cut by 2 (sometimes 3) sulci (as in O. pelidna); forewings extending beyond end of abdomen; hind femora usually with spots along the lower outer carinula and with one or two larger spots along the top marginal area . Overall body coloration variable.
Where is Orphulella punctata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Common in grassy areas, old fields, pastures, roadsides, etc |
| Range | Central MX to Argentina; most Caribbean islands . Apparently recently introduced into southern FL - see Remarks below. |
What does Orphulella punctata eat?
The diet of the Orphulella punctata includes Presumably grasses.
When is Orphulella punctata active?
Orphulella punctata: seasonal activity - Adults found year-round in Central America.