Elongated grasshopper

C. E. LANGE; CIGLIANO, M MARTA

Encyclopedia of Pest Orthoptera of the World.

China Agricultural University Press

Lugar: Pekin; Año: 2019; p. 79 - 82

Dichroplus elongatus is distributed in Chile, Argentina (except Tierra del Fuego), Uruguay, and southern Brazil. It is a polyphagous species, feeding on grasses and dycots. Major crop hosts are alfalfa, maize, sunflower, clovers, soybean, and a diversity of grasses. It is regarded as one of the main acridid pests in Argentina, particularly in areas of the Pampas and fertile valleys of north-western Patagonia. Since quantitative studies on actual losses are not available, estimates on economic impact are lacking. However, consumption rates recorded coupled with its usual numerically dominance in grasshopper communities are suggestive of significant damage. Although two generations a year were mentioned by some early authors, recent studies using individuals from geographic areas where such claims originated showed that D. elongatus has obligatory embryonic diapause and it is univoltine. Postembryonic development includes five instars and takes 32 days to reach adulthood. Female and male adult longevity was 42 and 50 days, respectively. It tends to be the most common and frequently the most abundant species in the majority of grassland habitats and it is usually associated with sown pasture plants and introduced forbs. Relatively humid habitats appear more suitable than dry or arid ones. Management options are reviewed.