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Grasshoppers of Zihuatanejo

INFRAORDER ACRIDIDEA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids (Order Orthoptera)

-Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Allies (Suborder Caelifera)

-Grasshoppers (Infraorder Acrididea)

-Short-horned Grasshoppers and Locusts (Superfamily Acridoidea)

-Short-horned Grasshoppers (Family Acrididae)

-Stridulating Slantface Grasshoppers (Subfamily Gomphocerinae)

-Tribe Orphulellini

-Genus Dichromorpha


Dichromorpha grasshoppers are small to medium-sized short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae (the slant-faced grasshoppers). They are best known for their slender build, sharp sloping faces, and muted coloration that blends seamlessly with grasses and sedges. These grasshoppers are quiet and inconspicuous, relying more on camouflage and short hops than long flights to escape predators. When disturbed, they typically leap into nearby vegetation rather than flying far. Males may produce soft, subtle stridulation sounds, but they are far less noticeable than many other grasshopper groups.

Dichromorpha Slant-faced

Dichromorpha (Genus)

Description

  • Dichromorpha is a genus of slender short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae and subfamily Gomphocerinae. Species are generally medium-sized and have elongated bodies, relatively long wings, short antennae, and powerful hind legs. Colouration varies among species but commonly includes green, brown, yellow, and contrasting longitudinal markings that provide camouflage among grasses and foliage.

Range

  • Dichromorpha occurs mainly in North and Central America, with several species extending into Mexico. Species occur in Guerrero and suitable habitats around Zihuatanejo, particularly in areas with abundant grasses and low vegetation.

Habitat

  • These grasshoppers are typically found in grasslands, savannas, meadows, tropical and subtropical scrub, forest clearings, roadsides, agricultural areas, and grassy edges. They are often encountered resting or feeding on grasses and other low vegetation.

Diet

  • Dichromorpha species are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, sedges, and a variety of herbaceous plants. Their diet can vary among species and according to the vegetation available in their habitat.

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