Biological studies of Dissosteira spurcata Saussure with distributional notes on related California species (Orthoptera-Acrididae)

Kelly, G; Middlekauff, W

Biological studies of Dissosteira spurcata Saussure with distributional notes on related California species (Orthoptera-Acrididae)

Authors

Gerald D. Kelly
Woodrow W. Middlekauff

Authors Affiliations

Gerald D. Kelly was Research Assistant, Department of Entomology and Parasitology, Berkeley; Woodrow W. Middlekauff was Professor of Entomology and Parasitology and Entomologist in the Experiment Station, Berkeley.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 30(14):395-424. DOI:10.3733/hilg.v30n14p395. January 1961.

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Abstract

A two-year study was conducted of the California range land grasshopper, Dissosteira spurcata Saussure. This seldom-dominant I species is not considered of significant economic importance to the agricultural economy of the state, but in proportion to its numbers it coptributes a share of damage to range land forage, It has only been since the advent of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides that a true appreciation of the damage potentialities of range land species has been realized.

Laboratory rearing studies were conducted at constant as well as variable temperatures to show developmental patterns and to follow more closely individual characteristics and habits. The bulk of the study, however, was carried on in the field under natural conditions.

In laboratory rearing experiments at a constant temperature the greatest survival and fastest development took place at 89.6°F. Survival was somewhat better when grasshoppers were reared under variable temperatures, but development was slower.

Observations were made on mating, oviposirion, migration, predators, parasites, and other aspects of the bionomics of spurcata.

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