Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from the Virginia Barrier Islands

Grasshopper populations from eight barrier islands off the coast of Virginia were studied over a 25-year period. A description of the species present and their abundance and primary habitats at different times of the year is given. Nine species of grasshoppers occurred on the islands: Trimerotropis maritima, Psinidia fenestralis, Dissosteira carolina, Schistocerca alutacea, S. americana, Melanoplus differentialis, M. femurrubrum, M. bivittatus, and Arphia sulphurea. Most common were the diet specialists T. maritima and P. fenestralis, which were found on or near dunes harboring their favored host plants. Another diet specialist was S. alutacea, which occurred exclusively on wax myrtle. Melanoplus differentialis, M. femurrubrum, and M. bivittatus are generalist feeders that were common in a variety of microhabitats. Grasshopper populations could be affected by changes in host plant abundance due to significant environmental impacts. The current study can serve as a baseline for future surveys of barrier island plant and animal communities and their ecological relationships.