Pygmy Grasshopper – Tetrix arenosa

Order Orthoptera – Crickets, Grasshoppers & Katydids / Family: Tetrigidae
This pygmy grasshopper is one of the few orthopterans to survive the winter here in Illinois

The pygmy grasshoppers, Orthoptera family Tetrigidae, can be recognized by their long pronotum, which extends far back over the abdomen, ending in a point. These grasshoppers are all less than 20mm long. Most are brown, and a few species have long functional flying wings. Females are larger than males. Adults and nymphs feed on algae and other organic material in wet soil. Also called grouse locusts.

Closely related hooded grouse locust, late-stage nymph. Paratettix cucullatus

References

1. Bugguide.net, Family Tetrigidae – Pygmy Grasshoppers
2. Bugguide.net, Hooded Grouse Locust Nymph – Paratettix cucullatus
3. Bugguide.net, Pygmy Grasshopper – Tetrix arenosa

Order Orthoptera – Crickets, Grasshoppers & Katydids
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