Northern grass pyrgomorph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern grass pyrgomorph |
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| Bali, Indonesia | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Pyrgomorphidae
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| Genus: |
Atractomorpha
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A. similis
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| Atractomorpha similis Bolívar, 1884
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The Atractomorpha similis, often called the northern grass pyrgomorph, is a type of grasshopper. It belongs to a group of grasshoppers known as Atractomorpha. You can find this interesting insect mainly in Australia.
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Meet the Northern Grass Pyrgomorph
This grasshopper is known by its scientific name, Atractomorpha similis. It's a common sight in many parts of Australia. Scientists first described this species in 1884.
What Does It Look Like?
The northern grass pyrgomorph is about 40 millimetres (1.6 in) long, which is about the length of your thumb. It has a compact body that gets narrower towards its head and its tail end. This grasshopper is a master of disguise! It uses its body shape and color to blend in with its surroundings. This helps it hide from animals that might want to eat it. Because it's so good at camouflage, it usually tries to stay still and blend in rather than jumping away when danger is near.
Where Does It Live?
This grasshopper loves warm places. You can find A. similis in the northern and eastern parts of Australia. It mostly lives near the coast, but it can also be found further inland if there's enough moisture in the air.
- It has been seen in places like New South Wales, Fraser Island, Western Australia, and northern Queensland.
- It's the most common type of Atractomorpha grasshopper found in Australia.
- Besides Australia, it has also been found in southern New Guinea and the Moluccas, as well as Timor.
This grasshopper prefers areas with plenty of water, like gardens or places with standing water. You might spot them in your backyard if you live in these regions! Sometimes, they can be a bit of a nuisance in gardens because they like to munch on plant leaves.
Its Family Tree
Atractomorpha similis is part of a larger family of grasshoppers called Pyrgomorphidae. Think of it like a big family tree for insects! Scientists give each living thing a unique two-part name, like Atractomorpha similis. This helps everyone around the world know exactly which creature they are talking about.
