Hooded Grouse Locust
Paratettix cucullatus
This record describes Paratettix cucullatus (species). Recorded family: Tetrigidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See comments under photos, especially this one . Note these marks (David Ferguson): Description from Hancock, 1902, which could use editing and summarizing:
Wikipedia reference for Paratettix cucullatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paratettix_cucullatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Tetrigidae (Pygmy Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Tetriginae
- Genus
- Paratettix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
around edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and in swampy meadows
Geographic Range
Eastern United States, southern Ontario , Helfer states found west to Washington, Oregon
Seasonal Activity
adults all year (Michigan); all year, but mainly nymphs in summer (North Carolina)
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Paratettix cucullatus. 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 Hooded Grouse Locust (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Hooded Grouse Locust
What is Hooded Grouse Locust?
Hooded Grouse Locust (Paratettix cucullatus) is a species in the family Tetrigidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Hooded Grouse Locust?
male 13 mm, female 15 mm (presumably includes folded wings--Hancock, 1902); male body length (not including wings) about 10 mm
How do you identify Hooded Grouse Locust?
See comments under photos, especially this one . Note these marks (David Ferguson):
Where is Hooded Grouse Locust found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | around edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and in swampy meadows |
| Range | Eastern United States, southern Ontario , Helfer states found west to Washington, Oregon |
When is Hooded Grouse Locust active?
Hooded Grouse Locust: seasonal activity - adults all year (Michigan); all year, but mainly nymphs in summer (North Carolina).