Tetrigidae
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 Tetrix species
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Tetrigidae is a family in the order Orthoptera, which also includes crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. Species within the Tetrigidae are variously called grouse locusts, pygmy locusts, groundhoppers or pygmy grasshoppers. There are roughly 1,400 species in about 270 genera altogether. In temperate regions, Tetrigidae are generally found along streams and ponds, where they feed on algae and diatoms [1]. The North American species Paratettix aztecus and Paratettix mexicanus, for example, depend on aquatic primary production for between 80% and 100% of their diet [2]. Riparian species are capable of swimming on the surface of the water, and readily leap into the water when alarmed [3]. Some species in the tribe Scelimini are fully aquatic and capable of swimming underwater [1]. The highest biodiversity of Tetrigidae is found in tropical forests. Some tropical species are arboreal and live among mosses and lichens in tree buttresses or in the canopy [1], while others live on the forest floor [4].
Like other Orthoptera, Tetrigidae have a hemimetabolous development, in which eggs hatch into nymphs. Unlike other temperate Orthoptera, however, temperate Tetrigidae generally overwinter as adults[5].
Some subfamilies within the Tetrigidae, such as the Batrachideinae, are sometimes elevated to family rank besides the Tetrigidae.
[edit] Diagnostic characteristics
Pygmy locusts are less than 20 mm in length, and are recognizable by a long pronotum, which extends over the length of the abdomen, almost to the tip of the wings, and ends in a point[5]. In other Orthoptera, the pronotum is short and covers neither the abdomen nor the wings. Tetrigidae are generally cryptic in coloration [4]. Some species have enlarged pronota which mimic leaves, stones or twigs [3].
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Resh VH, Cardé RT (2003) Encyclopedia of Insects. Academic Press, Amsterdam, pg 839
- ^ Bastow JL, Sabo JL, Finlay JC, Power ME (2002) A basal aquatic-terrestrial trophic link in rivers: algal subsidies via shore-dwelling grasshoppers. Oecologia 131: 261–268
- ^ a b Preston-Mafham K (1990) Grasshoppers and Mantids of the World. Facts of File, New York. pg 32
- ^ a b Grimaldi D, Engel MS (2005) Evolution of the Insects. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. pg 211
- ^ a b Borror DJ, Tripplehorn CA, Johnson NF (1989) An Introduction to the Study of Insects, 6th edition. Harcourt Brace College Publishers. New York. pg 213
