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Photo#498256
Armored Pygmy Grasshopper? - Paratettix cucullatus

Armored Pygmy Grasshopper? - Paratettix cucullatus
Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, USA
March 14, 2011
Seen on city sidewalk.

Looks like Paratettix cucullatus
This one is the "Hooded Pygmy Grasshopper", though I don't know what is "hooded" about it. The name comes from the meaning of the name "cucullatus, but there is nothing more "hooded" about this species than any number of others. Perhaps the name has something to do with the long pronotum that covers most of the top of the body, but that is typical of nearly all Pygmy Grasshoppers. Anyway, all that aside -

The narrow space between the eyes (not protruding in front of the eyes) and the fairly wide lobed middle femora are good clues to this one's identity. Also, the top of the pronotum is pretty flat with fairly sharp edges.

The most similar species in your area would be Tetrix arenosa, which has a wider space between the eyes. The Armored Pygmy Grasshopper has something of a shiny look to it (true of all Tettigidea species), with the pronotum a little more "roof-like" on top, and usually has distinct white markings that are lacking in the Hooded. The "fastigium" between the eyes also protrudes a little further forward of the eyes in the Armored, and the front of the pronotum has a distinct point that reaches forward over the head.

Moved from ID Request.

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