Size
males: 21-25mm, females: 29-33mm
Identification
From "Grasshoppers of Florida"
(1):
"There are two color forms present in this species, a green form:
...and a brown form:
...with intermediates found in both sexes. The principal difference between forms is found in the coloring of the head, thorax, and outer face of the hind femora. The median ridge on the pronotum is slightly elevated. An X-shaped mark is present on the dorsal surface of the pronotum in the brown forms.
The leading edge of the forewings is marked with 2–3 large green or light brown spots, with the balance of the forewings colored dark brown. The most important distinguishing character of this species is the color of the hind wing. Unlike Florida’s other bandwinged species, southern greenstriped grasshopper lacks a bold, black, transverse band on the hind wing. The black band is present, but greatly muted, reduced to no more than a smoky area in many individuals. Similarly, the yellow in the basal area of the hind wing is muted to absent.
The upper surface of the hind femora usually is marked with about 3 large dark spots; the central or largest spot is triangular when viewed from above. The hind tibiae are brown or bluish green."
Range
Found throughout Florida and adjacent southern states.
Habitat
Old fields, heavily grazed pastures and edges of crop fields and roadways.
(1)See Also
C. viridifasciata is quite similar but has a more northern range.
Print References
"Grasshoppers of Florida"
(1), p.64-65
Internet References
Try the "Grasshoppers of Florida" key/pdf file
(2) for identification of southeastern species including
C. australior.
Giff Beaton has additional photos of
C. australior identified by John Capinera (author of "Grasshoppers of Florida"
(1)
The
North Carolina State Insect Collection has 38 pinned specimens of
C. australior.
