More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Grasshoppers of Zihuatanejo
INFRAORDER ACRIDIDEA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-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)
-Slant-faced Grasshoppers (Subfamily Gomphocerinae)
-Tribe Orphulellini
-Genus Orphulella
Orphulella grasshoppers are a genus of small to medium-sized slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. They are common, grass-dwelling insects best known for their subtle striping, quick hops, and association with open, sunny habitats. Orphulella species have a distinctly slanted face, where the head slopes backward from the mouthparts, giving them a streamlined profile. These grasshoppers are diurnal and highly alert. When disturbed, they tend to make short, quick jumps followed by brief flights, disappearing easily into surrounding vegetation. Males produce soft, high-pitched stridulation songs by rubbing their hind legs against their wings, mainly during warm, sunny conditions.
Orphulella Stridulating Slantface
Orphulella (Genus)
Description
Orphulella is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, and tribe Orphulellini. Species are generally small to medium-sized, slender grasshoppers with short antennae, a distinctly sloping face, strong hind legs, and well-developed wings in many species. Colouration commonly includes green, brown, grey, and yellowish tones, often with longitudinal markings that provide camouflage among grasses.
Range
Orphulella is a New World genus ranging from the southern United States and Mexico through Central and South America, with several species also occurring in the Caribbean. Suitable species may be encountered in Guerrero and around Zihuatanejo.
Habitat
These grasshoppers are primarily associated with open and semi-open habitats such as grasslands, pastures, savannas, forest clearings, roadsides, and areas of low herbaceous vegetation. They commonly remain among grasses or close to the ground, where their subdued colouration provides camouflage.
Diet
Orphulella species are primarily grass-eaters and consume grasses and other herbaceous vegetation. Some species are relatively broad feeders and may also eat clover, alfalfa, ornamental plants, and other available green vegetation.