Species Paroxya atlantica - Atlantic Grasshopper

The name Melanoplus paroxyoides was given to insects that average more stout, with dark bars across the hind femora. They may represent a distinct species, but since 1912 have generally be considered as a subspecies or synonym of P. atlantica. The fact that the type locality of the two names is the same, is noteworthy.

16-24 mm (male), 22-28 mm (female)

Yellowish brown, often tending towards reddish on upper side; dark tripe behind eye; resembling a Melanoplus, but pronotum is much longer, as are male antennae.

Smaller and less greenish than Olive-green Swamp Grasshopper, Paroxya clavuliger, with more black on the lower sides of the thorax behind pronotum. Antennae are shorter (in males, usually shorter than hind femora) and usually reddish in color. In P. clavuliger antennae are often darker in color, sometimes ringed with white, and in males are longer than hind femora.

Antennae are shorter in females than in males (in both species).

Eastern United States

Moist, grassy areas, usually including other rank herbacious or low shrubby vegetation, often with low brush such as Inkberry. Often near edges of marshes, but just as often in openings or at edges of forest and woodland, especially in sunny low lying places. Evidence suggests that it may be limited to areas with sandy soils.

Summer-fall. July-October in northern part of range. June-frost (North Carolina). Adults found April-December in northern Florida, nymphs found much of year. Year-round in southern Florida, and often most common in winter there.

Olive-green Swamp Grasshopper, Paroxya clavuliger. See also Melanoplus species.

Capinera, Grasshoppers of Florida, pp. 117-118, plate 92 (1)

Capinera, Field Guide to Grasshoppers, ..., pp. 139-140, plate 30 (2)

Helfer, p. 214--description (3)

Brimley, p. 26 (4)