Phaulacridium otagoense


Phaulacridium otagoense is an endemic New Zealand grasshopper found at low elevation throughout the central South Island.

Distribution and habitat

The New Zealand P. otagoense is found on very dry slopes & riverbeds between an elevation of on the Earncleugh Historic Tailings Reserve and on the Benmore Range. The most southern known location is found at Lake Roxburgh and the most northern known location is found on the Richmond Range. The distribution of P. otagoense is being reduced by expansion and hybridization with P. marginale. Where these two grasshopper species meet populations consist of individuals with mixed phenotype, intermediate between the two parental taxa.

Species description

The wings on P. otagoense are micropterous between, making this species flightless like most of New Zealand grasshoppers. However, unlike Phaulacridium marginale no fully winged adults have ever been found.
Male body length ; Female body length.

Type information