Paratylotropidia brunneri
This record describes Paratylotropidia brunneri (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Behavior and appearance is rather similar to Melanoplus bivittatus until closely examined, and perhaps this species is not often noticed because of the resemblance to that very common species. Unlike that species the head is squared (almost pointed) at the front and the top lateral angles of the pronotum are well-defined. The entire outer side of the hind femora is dark, with the top edge contrastingly light. Wings are often short. The light lines along the top are narrower and more contrasting.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Melanoplini
- Genus
- Paratylotropidia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Midgrass Prairie, favoring areas with diverse plant species near the edge of or in openings of woodlands, apparently usually on sandy soils.
Geographic Range
eastern South Dakota to northeastern Texas and western Arkansas.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Not well-documented. There is some indication that overwintering could be as nymphs, since adults are most often seen in spring, though there are reports of adults for as late as September.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Paratylotropidia brunneri. 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 Paratylotropidia brunneri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Paratylotropidia brunneri
What is Paratylotropidia brunneri?
Paratylotropidia brunneri is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is Paratylotropidia brunneri found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Midgrass Prairie, favoring areas with diverse plant species near the edge of or in openings of woodlands, apparently usually on sandy soils. |
| Range | eastern South Dakota to northeastern Texas and western Arkansas. |
What is the life cycle of a Paratylotropidia brunneri?
Not well-documented. There is some indication that overwintering could be as nymphs, since adults are most often seen in spring, though there are reports of adults for as late as September.