Xanthippus aquilonius
This record describes Xanthippus aquilonius (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very closely related to and similar to Xanthippus corallipes and perhaps should be treated as a regional variant or subspecies. However, not much is known about X. aquilonius yet. There is also a resemblance in coloring to Pardalophora apiculata .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Oedipodinae
- Tribe
- Hippiscini
- Genus
- Xanthippus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Originally described from southern British Columbia; perhaps into adjacent north-central Washington. Populations found much further north in Northwest Territories appear to belong to this "species" as well.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Apparently overwintering as nymphs with adults in spring.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Xanthippus aquilonius. 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 Xanthippus aquilonius (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthippus aquilonius
What is Xanthippus aquilonius?
Xanthippus aquilonius is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is Xanthippus aquilonius found?
Range: Originally described from southern British Columbia; perhaps into adjacent north-central Washington. Populations found much further north in Northwest Territories appear to belong to this species as well.
What is the life cycle of a Xanthippus aquilonius?
Apparently overwintering as nymphs with adults in spring.