Groundhopper ID

squishy · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 02:06 PM

After a bit of research, I'm pretty sure this is a ground hopper.

I spotted it swimming around in a pond. It clambered out, so I coaxed it onto a stick and posed it in a position easier to photograph. After a few minutes it hopped back into the water.

roughly 10-15mm long.

Thanks for your help.

Matt Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 03:49 PM

Going by the keel along the pronotum that seems to peter out towards the end, and the fact the wings are about the same length as the pronotum, I'd go for the Slender Groundhopper Tetrix subulata .

Jason Claxton · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 04:54 PM

I agree ,A Slender Groundhopper,it doesn't look like Cepero's,also this isn't found in the Birmingham area (if that is is where you found it).The pronotum length is at the shorter range with your hopper I think,but it is Tetrix subulata.They are able to swim.

squishy · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2010, 08:20 PM

thanks guys

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

They are able to swim.

I have seen other Orthoptera species land in water after jumping in apparently random directions in an attempt to 'escape' as I walk along rivers/pond edges, and they just sort of flail about on the surface.
Presumably Groundhoppers only end up in water accidentally as well, but just happen to be more adept at getting out of the water if they find themselves in it?