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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)

-Subfamily Ommatolampidina​

-Tribe Abracrini

-Genus Omalotettix

-Omalotettix chapadensis


Omalotettix chapalensis is a species of grasshopper belonging to the family Acrididae, predominantly found in the subtropical and temperate regions of Mexico. Characterized by its cryptic coloration, which often blends seamlessly with the arid brush and volcanic soils of its native habitat, this insect is a specialized herbivore that feeds on a variety of native grasses and shrubs. Like other members of the genus Omalotettix, it possesses powerful hind legs adapted for jumping and relatively short antennae.

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Omalotettix chapadensis

Description

  • Omalotettix chapadensis is a short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae and subfamily Ommatolampinae. It is a medium-sized, fully winged species with a relatively slender body, short antennae, and strong hind legs. Its subdued brown, grey, and greenish colouring provides camouflage among vegetation and soil.

Range

  • Omalotettix chapadensis has a broad but discontinuous distribution in the Neotropics, extending from Mexico through Central America to Brazil. In Mexico it is relatively widely distributed and occurs in Guerrero, including the Zihuatanejo region.

Habitat

  • It occurs in warm terrestrial environments ranging from tropical forest and woodland to more open vegetation. Mexican populations can be encountered in forest edges, clearings, grassy areas, and other habitats with abundant low vegetation. A Central American population has been associated with wet forest, while South American populations are also associated with open vegetation and cerrado habitats.

Diet

  • Omalotettix chapadensis is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and other green plant material. It likely consumes a variety of low-growing vegetation available within its habitat.

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