STRIPED WINGED GRASSHOPPER |
STENOBOTHRUS LINEATUS |
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| Fig 1 |
DESCRIPTION: Length between 18 and 23mm. A smart grasshopper that can be easily overlooked when within populations of similar species. The central chevron near the wing tip, the patch of parallel cross-veins on the forewing and the orange abdomen in mature specimens are all important in making a correct ID. Females have a distinct white stripe running along the lower edge of the forewing. The wings are fully developed in the male but slightly shortened in the female. The ground colour is usually green but occasionally brown or reddish-violet. BEHAVIOUR: The song is just on the cusp of hearing and is similar to a high-pitched siren that rises and falls in equal measure. It is best to lie close to the ground to detect whereabouts the song is coming from. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout. HABITAT: Strictly dry grassland in sunny areas. PERIOD: June to October |