Slender Ground-hopper, Tetrix subulata
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Identification
Body length, approximately 10mm to 15mm.
Like the Common Ground-hopper, Tetrix undulata, this species is very variable as regards it colour patterning. Typically, it is overall a light grey, sandy, dirty greenish or some shades of brown to almost black, often with contrasting patterning. The outer edge of the anterior parts of the thorax is often edged off-white. The thorax of this species extends backwards over, and well beyond, the entire abdomen. It cannot fly.
Behaviour and life history
An active species that occurs in small populations with fairly restricted territories. They feed on grasses, mosses and lichens. This ground-hopper overwinters as a nymph or subadult with eggs being laid from May onwards throughout the summer. Adult populations die off in mid-summer.
Song
This species has no song.
Where to look for it
The Slender Ground-hopper favours wet places and is found in those situations where there is comparative sparse, short vegetation, bare ground or mud. It particularly favours the muddy margins of streams and ponds. It is particularly abundant in the Newnham area of Plympton.
Distribution and status
Rather uncommon but widespread in suitable habitats.
When to look for it
Any time but particularly during late summer and early autumn.
Similar species
This species can only really be confused with the Common Ground-hopper, Tetrix undulata, that differs in its much shorter, ridged thorax, which extends no further than the tip of the abdomen. A form with a shortened thorax does occur but it has not been recorded from Plymouth.