Lake Huron Locust
Trimerotropis huroniana
This record describes Trimerotropis huroniana (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to Trimerotropis maritima , but occurs further north, and has yellowish, never red hind tibiae (often red in T. maritima). The wings are not as strongly pigmented, with the dark band usually narrower in T. huroniana . Very closely akin to T. pallidipennis , but found in a different region. Differs slightly in having head proportionately larger, and hind wings proportionately wider.
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
Undisturbed high quality dunes on the northern shores of Lake Michigan. The grasshoppers are encountered behind the open beach, where dune grass (Ammophila breviligulata) has become established.
Geographic Range
Northern dunes of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior.
Seasonal Activity
Nymphs can be found before mid-July. Adults are present from early to mid-July into October until the time of frequent heavy frosts and snow.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Grasses and other plants
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Trimerotropis huroniana. 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 Lake Huron Locust (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Huron Locust
What is Lake Huron Locust?
Lake Huron Locust (Trimerotropis huroniana) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Lake Huron Locust?
Very similar to Trimerotropis maritima , but occurs further north, and has yellowish, never red hind tibiae (often red in T. maritima). The wings are not as strongly pigmented, with the dark band usually narrower in T. huroniana . Very closely akin to T. pallidipennis , but found in a different region. Differs slightly in having head proportionately larger, and hind wings proportionately wider.
Where is Lake Huron Locust found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Undisturbed high quality dunes on the northern shores of Lake Michigan. The grasshoppers are encountered behind the open beach, where dune grass (Ammophila breviligulata) has become established. |
| Range | Northern dunes of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. |
What does Lake Huron Locust eat?
The diet of the Lake Huron Locust includes Grasses and other plants.
When is Lake Huron Locust active?
Lake Huron Locust: seasonal activity - Nymphs can be found before mid-July. Adults are present from early to mid-July into October until the time of frequent heavy frosts and snow..