tetrigids

Tetrigids are a family of insects commonly known as pygmy grasshoppers or grouse locusts. They belong to the order Orthoptera, which also includes true grasshoppers and crickets. Tetrigids are characterized by their small size, typically less than 25 millimeters in length, and their distinct, triangular pronotum that extends back over the abdomen, resembling a shield. This pronotum gives them a somewhat humpbacked appearance.

These insects are found worldwide in damp habitats such as marshes, stream banks, and wet meadows. They are often found near water sources and are well-camouflaged against their surroundings, frequently exhibiting mottled brown or green coloration. Tetrigids are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, mosses, lichens, and decaying plant matter. Their chewing mouthparts are adapted for scraping and consuming these food sources.

Reproduction in tetrigids follows a typical insect life cycle with incomplete metamorphosis, consisting of egg, nymph, and adult stages. Nymphs resemble smaller versions of the adults and molt several times as they grow. Many tetrigid species are capable of flight, though their short, broad wings are often used for short bursts rather than sustained travel. Despite their common name "locusts," they do not form swarms like true locusts. Their ecological role includes serving as a food source for various predators, such as birds, amphibians, and other invertebrates.