An iNaturalist Observation from the Farm
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/294597009
Hello Steemians!
Today, I'm sharing an interesting observation from my recent time in the farm. While working and getting my actifit count up, I came across quite a few short-horned grasshoppers moving about. This particular one was quite cooperative, staying still long enough for me to capture these photos!
About the Short-Horned Grasshopper
The short-horned grasshopper (family Acrididae) is a fascinating insect group, comprising over 10,000 species. As herbivores, some species are unfortunately known as highly destructive agricultural pests. The migratory species within this family are commonly referred to as locusts.
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Family: Acrididae
Physical Characteristics:
Short-horned grasshoppers vary greatly in size, from a tiny 5 mm to a large 11 cm. Key features include their distinctive short, heavy antennae, a four-valved ovipositor used for egg-laying, and three-segmented tarsi (the end parts of their legs). Their body shape can range from long and slender to short and stout. Many species are camouflaged in green or straw colors to blend into their environment. Their hind legs are specially adapted for powerful jumping due to greatly enlarged femurs. While some species are winged, others are wingless. Interestingly, winged males can create sounds by rubbing their front wings together or by dragging their hind legs across the wing edges. Most species also possess a pair of tympanal (hearing) organs at the base of their abdomen.
Source: Britannica - Short-horned Grasshopper
From what I observed, this particular specimen doesn't appear to be a winged species, and I don't think it's a male either.
What are your thoughts on this interesting insect? Let me know in the comments!
| Detail | Value |
| :----------------- | :---------------------------------------- |
| **Species** | Short-horned Grasshopper (Family Acrididae) |
| **Observer** | dreeyor |
| **Observed On** | July 1, 2025 05:05 PM WAT |
| **Location** | Odo-Mola 105103, Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria |
| **License** | (c) dreeyor, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) |
| **Device Used** | TECNO CF7s |
| **Image Dimensions** | 3120 x 4160 |
| **ISO Speed** | 116 |
| **Focal Length** | 3.72 |