Zonocerus Explained

Zonocerus is a genus of African grasshoppers (Caelifera) in the family Pyrgomorphidae and the tribe Phymateini. Zonocerus elegans is found in central, eastern and southern regions, including Madagascar, and Z. variegatus found in western regions.^[1]

Description

Both species are significant agricultural pests, defoliating crops of African smallholder farmers. Both adults and nymphs have relatively bright, aposematic colours, and adults typically are about long.^[2]

Species

The Orthoptera Species File^[1] and Catalogue of Life list the following:

• Zonocerus elegans (Thunberg, 1815) – type species (as "Gryllus elegans" Thunberg)
• Zonocerus variegatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Notes and References

1. Web site: genus Zonocerus Stål, 1873 . Orthoptera Species File (Version 5.0/5.0) . 7 July 2021 .
2. Whitman . D. . Vincent . S. . 2008 . Large size as an antipredator defense in an insect . Journal of Orthoptera Research . 17 . 2 . 353–371 . 10.1665/1082-6467-17.2.353 . free .