Atractomorpha (grasshopper)
Atractomorpha is a genus in the Pyrgomorphidae, a family of grasshoppers.
Overview
The genus name is derived from the Greek language and means "spindle-shaped" or "arrow-shaped".[1] Various families of Orthoptera include genera whose species 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 their superficial appearance may be misleading even for professionals not specifically active in that field.[1]
Biology
Not much is written about the biology of Atractomorpha, but they are 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.
Atractomorpha species also share a habit with various generally sedentary Orthoptera, of producing their excreta in the form of relatively few, large, elongated faecal pellets, one at a time. As each pellet emerges, they kick it a considerable distance away, using the tibia of one rear leg. This apparently is a strategy for avoiding the attentions of parasitoids and predators that otherwise might have been attracted to the smell of a host midden.[3][4]
References
- ^ Jaeger, Edmund C. (1959). A Source-Book of Biological Names and Terms. Springfield, Ill: Thomas. ISBN 0-398-06179-3.
- ^ Shepard, B. M. Barrion, A. T. Litsinger J. A. Rice-Feeding Insects of Tropical Asia - Page 116. International Rice Research Institute. Manila, Philippines 1995 ISBN 971-22-0062-0
- ^ 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
- ^ Feedback, New Scientist Number 2810, page 64 and Number 2816, page 64
