Obscure Pygmy Grasshopper
Tetrix arenosa
Identification 5
In this species, the pronotum is nearly flat with hint of a central ridge. The very similar T. ornata has a larger central ridge. In T. arenosa, the fastigium (space between the eyes) when viewed from above is truncate and not as rounded as in T. ornata. The middle femora not strongly lobed, as in Paratettix cucullatus. The median carina (ridge) of the pronotum extends as a small nub on the front of the fastigium, unlike T. subulata. This species is very similar to T. ornata and a quality picture of the head from above may be necessary to see the subtle difference in the shape of the forehead. See Orthoptera of Michigan for more diagrams of structural features.
Overwinters as adults, so adults can be seen much of the year.
Resources 5
Orthoptera of Michigan: https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Ag.%20Ext.%202007-Chelsie/PDF/e2815.pdf
Occurrence 5
Statewide. Knutson (1937) reported this species from 27 counties.
Habitat 5
Most common in mud or leaves near temporary woodland wetlands, but not unusual to collect far from water.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Jean-François Roch, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jean-François Roch
- (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/treegrow/27995385231/
- (c) Diane P. Brooks, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Diane P. Brooks
- (c) krancmm, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by krancmm
- (c) Tyler Grant, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
