Atractomorpha (Pyrgomorphidae)

Atractomorpha is a genus in the Pyrgomorphidae, a family of grasshoppers.

The genus name is derived from the Greek and means something like "spindle-shaped" or "arrow-shaped".[1] There are genera in various families of Orthoptera that have such cone-shaped heads, and there are genera within the family Pyrgomorphidae(such as Phymateus and Dictyophorus) that do not have cone-shaped heads, so the taxonomy is difficult for professionals not active in that field, as well as for laymen.[1]

Not much is written about the biology of Atractomorpha, but they appear to be herbivores typical of the Orthoptera, so it is not surprising that some species seem to be minor pests in gardens and some, such as Atractomorpha psittacina and Atractomorpha bedeli, significant pests in rice.[2] As with many grasshoppers in various families, the males are smaller than the females and are prone to ride on them whether they are copulating or not. Similar strategies are common in vertebrates such as some amphibians, as well as various invertebrates, where the males attempt to keep rivals from mating with the female.

They also share a habit with various generally sedentary Orthoptera, of kicking their frass a considerable distance away from themselves, apparently as a strategy for avoiding the attentions of parasitoids and predators.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ Jaeger, Edmund C. (1959). A Source-Book of Biological Names and Terms. Springfield, Ill: Thomas. ISBN 0-398-06179-3. 
  2. ^ Shepard, Barclay (1995). Rice-feeding insects of tropical Asia. Los Baños, Philippines: International Rice Research Institute. ISBN 9722200620. 
  3. ^ Yosuke TANAKA, Eiiti KASUYA; Flying distance of frass kicked by the grasshopper Atractomorpha lata and factors affecting the flying distance; Entomological Science Volume 14, Issue 2, pages 133–141, April 2011
  4. ^ Feedback, New Scientist Number 2810, page 64 and Number 2816, page 64

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