 | Pygmy Grasshopper – Tetrix arenosa Order Orthoptera – Crickets, Grasshoppers & Katydids / Family: Tetrigidae Insects | Spiders | Beetles | Butterflies | Moths | True Bugs | Flies | Bees & Wasps This pygmy grasshopper is one of the few orthopterans to survive the winter here in Illinois |
The pygmy grasshoppers, Orthoptera family Tetrigidae, can be recognized by their long pronotum, which extends far back over the abdomen, ending in a point. These grasshoppers are all less than 20mm long. Most are brown, and a few species have long functional flying wings. Females are larger than males. Adults and nymphs feed on algae and other organic material in wet soil. Also called grouse locusts. |
 This view shows the dorsal and ventral valves of the ovipositor – one sure indication this is a female of the species. Also quite apparent is the long, tapered pronotum extending almost to the tip of the wings. |
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| Order Orthoptera – Crickets, Grasshoppers & Katydids There are more than 20,000 species in the order Orthoptera. These diverse insects are found worldwide, although their numbers are concentrated in the tropics. North American Insects & Spiders Explore over 7,000 close-up photos and information on over 700 species commonly found in North America. Live insects & spiders photographed in the wild. |