Atlantic Grasshopper
Paroxya atlantica
This record describes Paroxya atlantica (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Yellowish brown, often tending towards reddish on upper side; dark tripe behind eye; resembling a Melanoplus , but pronotum is much longer, as are male antennae. Smaller and less greenish than Olive-green Swamp Grasshopper, Paroxya clavuliger , with more black on the lower sides of the thorax behind pronotum. |
| Antennae | Antennae are shorter (in males, usually shorter than hind femora) and usually reddish in color. In P. clavuliger antennae are often darker in color, sometimes ringed with white, and in males are longer than hind femora. |
| Antennae | Antennae are shorter in females than in males (in both species). |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Melanoplini
- Genus
- Paroxya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist, grassy areas, usually including other rank herbacious or low shrubby vegetation, often with low brush such as Inkberry. Often near edges of marshes, but just as often in openings or at edges of forest and woodland, especially in sunny low lying places. Evidence suggests that it may be limited to areas with sandy soils.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States
Seasonal Activity
Summer-fall. July-October in northern part of range. June-frost (North Carolina). Adults found April-December in northern Florida, nymphs found much of year. Year-round in southern Florida, and often most common in winter there.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The name Melanoplus paroxyoides was given to insects that average more stout, with dark bars across the hind femora. They may represent a distinct species, but since 1912 have generally be considered as a subspecies or synonym of P. atlantica . The fact that the type locality of the two names is the same, is noteworthy.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Paroxya atlantica. 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 Atlantic Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlantic Grasshopper
What is Atlantic Grasshopper?
Atlantic Grasshopper (Paroxya atlantica) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Atlantic Grasshopper?
16-24 mm (male), 22-28 mm (female)
How do you identify Atlantic Grasshopper?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Yellowish brown, often tending towards reddish on upper side; dark tripe behind eye; resembling a Melanoplus , but pronotum is much longer, as are male antennae. Smaller and less greenish than Olive-green Swamp Grasshopper, Paroxya clavuliger , with more black on the lower sides of the thorax behind pronotum. |
| Antennae | Antennae are shorter (in males, usually shorter than hind femora) and usually reddish in color. In P. clavuliger antennae are often darker in color, sometimes ringed with white, and in males are longer than hind femora. |
| Antennae | Antennae are shorter in females than in males (in both species). |
Where is Atlantic Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Moist, grassy areas, usually including other rank herbacious or low shrubby vegetation, often with low brush such as Inkberry. Often near edges of marshes, but just as often in openings or at edges of forest and woodland, especially in sunny low lying places. Evidence suggests that it may be limited to areas with sandy soils. |
| Range | Eastern United States |
When is Atlantic Grasshopper active?
Atlantic Grasshopper: seasonal activity - Summer-fall. July-October in northern part of range. June-frost (North Carolina). Adults found April-December in northern Florida, nymphs found much of year. Year-round in southern Florida, and often most common in winter there..