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)
-Superfamily Pyrgomorphoidea
-Gaudy Grasshoppers Family Pyrgomorphidae
-Subfamily Pyrgomorphinae
-Tribe Sphenariini
-Subtribe Sphenariina
-Genus Sphenarium
-Sphenarium occidentalis
Sphenarium occidentalis is a medium-sized grasshopper within the family Pyrgomorphidae, commonly known as "gaudy grasshoppers," and is endemic to the coastal and interior regions of western Mexico. This species is characterized by its robust, slightly spindle-shaped body and short, pointed head, with a coloration that often ranges from olive green to brownish-grey, sometimes featuring subtle yellow or orange accents. These grasshoppers are generally flightless due to their significantly reduced wings and are typically found in diverse habitats ranging from tropical deciduous forests to agricultural fields, where they feed on a variety of low-lying vegetation and crops.
Sphenarium occidentalis
Description
Sphenarium occidentalis is a medium-sized gaudy grasshopper in the family Pyrgomorphidae and subfamily Pyrgomorphinae. It has a robust, somewhat spindle-shaped body, a short pointed head, powerful hind legs, and greatly reduced wings, making it essentially flightless. Colouration varies from olive-green to brownish-grey, sometimes with yellowish or orange tones.
Range
Sphenarium occidentalis has a relatively restricted distribution in southwestern Mexico, centred on the outer slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero.
Habitat
It inhabits warm, seasonally dry environments including tropical deciduous forest, woodland, scrub, forest edges, clearings, and agricultural areas. Its reduced wings and sturdy body are well suited to moving through low vegetation and leaf litter rather than sustained flight.
Diet
Sphenarium occidentalis is a generalist herbivore, feeding on a variety of leaves, herbs, grasses, flowers, and other green plant material. Species of Sphenarium consume a broad range of native plants as well as cultivated vegetation, allowing them to remain active across seasonally changing habitats.