Tetrigidae facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tetrigidae
Tetrix species
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Orthoptera
Suborder:	Caelifera
Superfamily:	Tetrigoidea
Family:	Tetrigidae

Tetrigidae is a family of small insects. They are part of the Orthoptera order. This group also includes well-known insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids.

People call Tetrigidae by many names. Some common names are grouse locusts, pygmy locusts, groundhoppers, or pygmy grasshoppers. These tiny insects are found all over the world. There are about 1,600 different kinds, or species. They are grouped into about 250 genera.

What are Pygmy Grasshoppers?

Pygmy grasshoppers are usually very small. They often blend in with their surroundings. This helps them hide from predators. They have a special shield-like part on their back. This part covers most of their body. It can even extend past their wings.

Where Do They Live?

These insects often live in damp places. You might find them near streams, ponds, or wet fields. They are good at jumping and can sometimes fly. Their small size helps them move through dense plants. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

What Do They Eat?

Pygmy grasshoppers usually eat tiny plants. They might munch on moss, algae, or small bits of decaying plants. Some species are known to eat algae growing on rocks. This diet helps them get energy. It also helps them stay hidden in their environment.

Images for kids

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  Saussurella cornuta

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  Potua morbillosa (Borneo)

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  Discotettix belzebuth

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  Holocerus taurus (with red mites, Madagascar)

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  Rostella phyllocera (Borneo)

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  Paratettix sp.

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  Paratettix aztecus eating algae

See also

In Spanish: Tetrígidos para niños