Species Tetrix ornata - Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper

Tetrix ornata (Say 1824)

4 sspp. recognized, all in our area(1)

See comments under T. brunneri.

Differs from T. subulata in being generally stockier, and in having the median ridge on top of the head prodtruding slightly but prominently beyond front of head (ending at front in T. subulata). The face is very little indented (nearly straight) just above antennae (indented fairly obviously in T. ornata, and strongly in T. brunneri).

In T. arenosus, the fastigium is roughly flat in front (instead of angled), and has the median ridge protruding somewhat as in this species. Also, the top of the pronotum is very flat and has the median ridge less developed.

so. Canada and much of the US(1)

Mostly damp sandy/gravelly areas along edges of streams/rivers, sometimes other similarly damp areas, or wandering into drier areas nearby. Long-winged individuals are accomplished fliers.