Cone-head horror

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Cone-head horror
Male of Phymateus viridipes

Male of Phymateus viridipes

Systematics
Class : Insects (Insecta)
Subclass : Flying insects (Pterygota)
Order : Grasshoppers (Orthoptera)
Subordination : Short-antennae terrors (Caelifera)
Family : Cone-head horror
Scientific name
Pyrgomorphidae
Brunner von Wattenwyl , 1874

The cone-headed terrors ( Pyrgomorphidae) are a family within the short-antennae terrors (Caelifera). The conical head of the insect gives it its name.

features

Cone-headed terrors belong to the larger short-antennae terrors and reach a body length of 60 to 72 millimeters. They are relatively easy to identify due to their often strikingly bright colors. These serve primarily to deter enemies. A number of species can also secrete a foamy defense secretion .

All variations of wing regression occur within species.

food

Most species feed on leaves, only rarely on grass.

Systematics

Atractomorpha lata
The Monistra pustulifera occurs in Australia
Zonocerus elegans (recorded in Zambia)
Poekilocerus pictus from Asia
Pyrgomorpha conica

The family includes numerous species that are primarily native to Australia and Africa. 39 species can be found in southern Africa alone. The following list shows the most important types, but is not exhaustive:

literature

  • Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths, Alan Weaving: Field Guide to Insects of South Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town 2004, ISBN 1-77007-061-3

Web links

Commons : Cone Head Horror  - Collection of images, videos, and audio files