Schistocerca camerata
This record describes Schistocerca camerata (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Nearly inseparable from S. damnifica . Texas specimens differing in top of pronotum averaging more nearly level (less arching) in side profile. |
| Wings | Wings proportionately longer with tegmina usually more distinctly mottled with irregular spots. |
| Eyes | Eyes proportionately slightly larger. |
| Antennae | Antennae longer. Overall appearance somewhat more slender, largely due to above characters. Differences in male genitalia may include subgenital plate more widely flaring at upper margin with deeper cleft (but this needs further comparison to substantiate). In southern Texas there are insects that closely resemble S. damnifica , but that are somewhat different. They are referable to the species S. camerata . This species may represent a continuation of the trend toward longer wings, more slender form, longer more slender antennae, and stronger pattern that is seen in S. damnifica as one moves from north to south (i.e. S. damnifica calidior described from Florida). Whether or not S. camerata should be considered as a subspecies of S. damnifica is a question which requires further study. Specimens included here key out to Schistocerca camerata in V.M. Dirsh's 1974 'Genus Schistocerca (Acridomorpha, Insecta)', and Hojun Song's Identification Key at the ' Schistocerca Information Site'. They also match the lectotype female specimen well, and the original description (though the description implies the wings are shorter than they really are in the type specimen). The species S. camerata is widespread in Mexico and is known to occur in northeastern Mexico not far southward from Texas. It was first reported in literature from Texas by J.A. Stidham & T.A. Stidham in 2002. Being widespread, it is also somewhat variable (particularly in the length of the wings); however, the specimens here fit within the normal range of variation seen in S. camerata in Mexico. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Cyrtacanthacridinae
- Genus
- Schistocerca (Bird Grasshoppers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Counties) to Nicaragua. (Stidham & Stidham, 2002)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: This species was previously listed tentatively here as Schistocerca impleta , but Texas specimens do not very well fit published descriptions of S. impleta , which is a Central American species. Has been treated as a synonym of Schistocerca nitens , but believed by Song to be distinct.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Schistocerca camerata. 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 Schistocerca camerata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Schistocerca camerata
What is Schistocerca camerata?
Schistocerca camerata is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Schistocerca camerata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Nearly inseparable from S. damnifica . Texas specimens differing in top of pronotum averaging more nearly level (less arching) in side profile. |
| Wings | Wings proportionately longer with tegmina usually more distinctly mottled with irregular spots. |
| Eyes | Eyes proportionately slightly larger. |
| Antennae | Antennae longer. Overall appearance somewhat more slender, largely due to above characters. Differences in male genitalia may include subgenital plate more widely flaring at upper margin with deeper cleft (but this needs further comparison to substantiate). |
Where is Schistocerca camerata found?
Range: s. TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Counties) to Nicaragua. (Stidham & Stidham, 2002)