Short-winged grasshopper

The short-winged grasshopper (scientifically known as Arcyptera brevipennis) belongs to the order Orthoptera and the family Acrididae. This species is recognized as a pest in various agricultural regions, where it prefers to inhabit grasslands, meadows, and adjacent grain fields. Due to its specific biological requirements, it thrives in environments that provide sufficient vegetation for both feeding and egg-laying.

The pest primarily targets cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and oats, as well as various forage grasses. Both nymphs and adult grasshoppers are known to consume significant amounts of green plant tissue. In areas with high population density, these insects can cause substantial economic losses by reducing both the vegetative mass and the yield of the grain crops.

The biological cycle of this species includes overwintering as eggs in the soil. Upon the arrival of warmer spring temperatures, the eggs hatch into nymphs, which pass through several developmental stages (instars) before reaching maturity. Adult insects emerge in mid-summer, actively feeding and subsequently laying eggs in the soil, which prepares the population for the following season.

Damage caused by this grasshopper is characterized by the irregular gnawing of leaf blades, often starting from the edges of the field. In severe outbreaks, the entire leaf surface can be decimated, leaving only the midrib. This heavy feeding leads to reduced photosynthesis, stunted plant growth, and, in extreme cases, the total destruction of young seedlings or damage to the maturing grain heads.

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to mitigate the impact include:

• Deep tillage of the soil in autumn to disturb and destroy egg pods.
• Maintenance of clean field borders by removing weeds that provide shelter and food for nymphs.
• Regular field scouting to detect early instar populations before significant damage occurs.
• Application of approved insecticides when the population reaches economic threshold levels.
• Preservation of natural predators, such as birds and parasitic insects, to keep grasshopper numbers in check.