Mottled Grasshopper, Myrmeleotettix maculatus
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Identification
Body length 10mm to 20mm.
The basic colour of these grasshoppers is very variable but typically includes greys, browns and greens, which may be present in various bright, colourful contrasting combinations. The predominant colour is usually most emphasised over the sides of the head, thorax and upper half of the hind femur (upper leg) and, in the most brightly coloured specimens, this colouration extends all over both the thorax and the hind femur. At maturity, the tip of the abdomen becomes red. This grasshopper is unique amongst Plymouth species in that it has clubbed antennae. The females antennae are no more than thickened at the tips but those of the male are pronouncedly clubbed and bent outwards. The wings just reach the tip of the abdomen in the males but fall short of the tip in females.
Behaviour and life history
A very active species. Eggs are laid from July onwards with the nymphs emerging during May and June.
Song
A series of soft, rapid zrr..zrr..zrr.. lasting some ten seconds.
Where to look for it
The mottled Grasshopper requires warm, sunny, dry sites with very short or sparse vegetation. In Plymouth it is only known to occur at Crabtree on moss and lichen dominated heathland growing over china clay waste dredgings from the River Plym.
Distribution and status
It is rare in the city and is known from only one site (two separate colonies) at Crabtree.
When to look for it
Nymphs from May to June, adults from June to early October.
Similar species
The swollen antennae of this species should be sufficient to separate if from other grasshoppers.