HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS OF FLORIDA GRASSHOPPERS (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)

Abstract

A year-long survey was conducted to assess the grasshopper species assemblage in various natural and anthropogenic habitats in Florida. Distribution, density, and relative abundance data were collected, providing insight into habitat preference and resource utilization. Of the 70 species known to occur in Florida, 52 species were collected in one or more habitats. The number of different species found in each habitat, in descending order of species richness, were: sandhill, 34; freshwater marsh, 27; scrub, 26; roadside, 26; lakeside, 22; disturbed areas, 22; pasture, 19; pine plantation, 19; old fields, 18; flatwoods, 13; salt marshes, 11; oak hammock, 9; crops, 8; coastal scrub, 6; cutthroat seep; 5; and coastal strand, 5. Common species, and the number of habitats they were found to occupy, include Schistocerca americana, 12; Aptenopedes sphenarioides, 10; Dichromorpha viridis, 8; Melanoplus propinquus, 8; Paroxya atlantica, 8; Achurum carinatum, 7; Amblytropidia mysteca, 7; Chortophaga australior, 7; Aptenopedes aptera 6; Melanoplus keeleri, 5; Melanoplus rotundipennis, 5; Orphulella pelidna, 5; and Spharagemon cristatum, 5. Variation in habitat use within selected habitat types was demonstrated by (1) comparison of species richness and abundance on roadsides with grassy or weedy vegetation; weedy vegetation was inhabited by significantly more grasshoppers, and (2) comparison of species richness and abundance in pine plantations with pine trees of different ages; plantations with young trees had significantly more grasshoppers. In contrast, species richness was unaffected within these roadside and pine plantation sites.

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