Phaulotettix ablusus
This record describes Phaulotettix ablusus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to P. compressus , but the male cerci and phallic complex are different. Only 3 specimens known. More surveying is needed to determine the full range of this 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
- Phaulotettix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Scrub
Geographic Range
Type locality is Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The first US record was in Starr County, TX in 2019. Likely wide-spread.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Phaulotettix ablusus. 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 Phaulotettix ablusus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaulotettix ablusus
What is Phaulotettix ablusus?
Phaulotettix ablusus is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Phaulotettix ablusus?
Similar to P. compressus , but the male cerci and phallic complex are different.
Where is Phaulotettix ablusus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Scrub |
| Range | Type locality is Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The first US record was in Starr County, TX in 2019. Likely wide-spread. |