Geyser Grasshopper
Trimerotropis diversellus
This record describes Trimerotropis diversellus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Not likely to be confused with any other species that occur with it. Small, slender, shades of white, gray, & light brown with dark cross bands on tegmina. Hind tibiae yellow occasionally to brownish. Hind wing yellow with dark band that is widest near outer margin of wing. T. pallidipennis is found occasionally in the area, but occurs mostly at lower elevations below the mountains. It is usually larger, has longer narrower wings, and with a more curved and usually narrower dark cross band on the hind wings. It has a proportionately smaller head. Basically identical to and apparently closely related to Trimerotropis saxatilis , differing only in smaller average size (but within the range of size for that species). Mainly distinguished by where found. See further comments under Trimerotropis saxatilis .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Oedipodinae
- Tribe
- Trimerotropini
- Genus
- Trimerotropis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Exposed rock and gravel areas. Mostly found on pale calcareous rock deposits and gravels associated with geothermal activity, particularly in and around geyser fields.
Geographic Range
Wyoming, Montana, and perhaps Idaho in region of Yellowstone National Park.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as eggs in soil. Adults summer to autumn.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Trimerotropis diversellus. 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 Geyser Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Geyser Grasshopper
What is Geyser Grasshopper?
Geyser Grasshopper (Trimerotropis diversellus) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Geyser Grasshopper?
about 26 mm males about 33 mm females
How do you identify Geyser Grasshopper?
Not likely to be confused with any other species that occur with it. Small, slender, shades of white, gray, & light brown with dark cross bands on tegmina. Hind tibiae yellow occasionally to brownish. Hind wing yellow with dark band that is widest near outer margin of wing. T. pallidipennis is found occasionally in the area, but occurs mostly at lower elevations below the mountains. It is usually larger, has longer narrower wings, and with a more curved and usually narrower dark cross band on the hind wings. It has a proportionately smaller head.
Where is Geyser Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Exposed rock and gravel areas. Mostly found on pale calcareous rock deposits and gravels associated with geothermal activity, particularly in and around geyser fields. |
| Range | Wyoming, Montana, and perhaps Idaho in region of Yellowstone National Park. |
What is the life cycle of a Geyser Grasshopper?
Overwinters as eggs in soil. Adults summer to autumn.