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Pyrgomorphidae
Pyrgomorphidae is a family of grasshoppers in the order Orthoptera; it is the only family in the superfamily Pyrgomorphoidea. Pyrgomorphidae are found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate regions (though none are from US mainland), but the vast majority of the family's approximately 500 species are from Africa, Asia and Australia. Their name is probably derived from ''pyrgos'' (Greek: ''Πύργος'') meaning "tower": a reference to the form (''morph'') of the head in the type genus '' Pyrgomorpha'' and other genera. They may sometimes be known as "gaudy grasshoppers", due to the striking, bright aposematic colouration of a number of genera, warning of their toxicity. However, about 90% of the species in the family are harmless and well-camouflaged, with a few, notably '' Sphenarium'', even caught for human consumption. Subfamilies and tribes Incomplete list of genera and species: Subfamily Orthacridinae All tribes and selected genera only are shown here: * Tribe Brun ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Phymateus
''Phymateus'' is a genus of fairly large grasshoppers of the family Pyrgomorphidae, native to shrubland, semi-deserts, savanna, woodland, gardens and cultivated areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, with ten species in the African mainland and two species in Madagascar. Some species have bright aposematic colours and are highly toxic. Description ''Phymateus'' are African grasshoppers that typically are about long as adults, with females generally being larger than males of the same species. Some species at maturity are capable of long migratory flights. They raise and rustle wings when disturbed and may secrete a noxious fluid from the thoracic joint.''Field Guide to Insects'' - Picker, Griffiths & Weaving (2004) Their toxins, which are accumulated from the toxic plants they feed on, can be very strong and there have been reported deaths in birds and mammals, including humans, after eating ''Phymateus'' grasshoppers. While they do show a preference for feeding on certain toxic plants, no ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
