Misunderstood grasshopper
| Misunderstood grasshopper | ||||||||||||
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Misunderstood grasshopper ( Chorthippus mollis ), ♂ |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Chorthippus mollis | ||||||||||||
| ( Charpentier , 1825) |
The misunderstood grasshopper ( Chorthippus mollis ) is a short-nose insect from the family of field locusts (Acrididae) and belongs to the subfamily of grasshoppers (Gomphocerinae). It is widespread in Germany.
features
Both sexes are essentially grayish-brownish on the upper side, but slightly variable in color. The underside is lighter and the sides of the abdomen usually appear vertically black and light striped. The tip of the abdomen is often colored red on top in both males and females. With a length of 20 to 25 millimeters, the females are significantly larger than the males. In the field, the species can only be distinguished from several externally very similar species of the genus Chorthippus (so-called 'Biguttulus group' with C. brunneus and C. biguttulus or C. apricarius ) with which they are similar Share living spaces.
habitat
The species prefers dry, warm locations with sandy subsoil and open ground, also roadsides, clearcuts and fallow land.
Way of life
The species feeds on grasses. The females of the misunderstood grasshopper lay the eggs in the ground. The singing consists of long stanzas (15–20 seconds) that are initially very soft, in the middle with ticking sounds, and at the end strongly swelling whirring sounds. The singing can be heard and clearly recognized by people about 10 m away. In addition to the normal song, there is a shorter, loud rival song and very quiet mating sounds, which are also returned by the females.
distribution
The species occurs in suitable locations all over Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. However, the British Isles are not populated.
literature
- Peter Detzel: Locusts in Baden-Württemberg , Eugen Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart 1998, ISBN 3-800-13507-8
- Schumprecht and Waeber (eds.): Heuschrecken in Bayern , Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart, 2003, ISBN 3-8001-3883-2
