Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper
Tetrix arenosa
This record describes Tetrix arenosa (species). Recorded family: Tetrigidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Grayish, brownish, or dark; may have a wide pale band across pronotum. Pronotum almost flat, with median ridge feeble
Wikipedia reference for Tetrix arenosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrix_arenosa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Tetrigidae (Pygmy Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Tetriginae
- Genus
- Tetrix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found, especially, along margins of ponds, streams, woodland pools; sometimes in drier areas
Geographic Range
Eastern North America: Ontario south to Texas and eastward to Atlantic
Seasonal Activity
Much of year. Nymphs only found in mid-summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as adult.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetrix arenosa Burmeister 1838
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Tetrix arenosa. 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 Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper
What is Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper?
Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper (Tetrix arenosa) is a species in the family Tetrigidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper?
9-14 mm
How do you identify Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper?
Grayish, brownish, or dark; may have a wide pale band across pronotum. Pronotum almost flat, with median ridge feeble
Where is Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found, especially, along margins of ponds, streams, woodland pools; sometimes in drier areas |
| Range | Eastern North America: Ontario south to Texas and eastward to Atlantic |
When is Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper active?
Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper: seasonal activity - Much of year. Nymphs only found in mid-summer..
What is the life cycle of a Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper?
Overwinters as adult.