ORTHOPTERA 83 



American Acridium (Schistocerca americana), is common, but 

 rarely becomes numerous enough to be seriously injurious. It is 

 one of our largest species (nearly three inches long) and makes as 

 much commotion as a small bird as it flies up before one. In the 

 Gulf States, and on the plains of the southwest, occur our two larg- 

 est species, known as the lubber grasshopper and the clumsy locust, 

 so called from their clumsy movements. Both are short-winged 

 and unable to fly, but manage to travel considerable distances. 



FIG. 103. The southern lubber grasshopper (Dictyophora retictilata}. 

 (About natural size) 



The long-horned grasshoppers (Locustidae). The katydids and 

 meadow grasshoppers form another family readily distinguished 

 by their slender antennae, which are much longer than the body 

 and give the group the name " long-horned," in contrast to the 

 short antennas of the grasshoppers, or locusts. The ovipositor of 

 the female is also long and sword-shaped. Unfortunately, the 

 scientific name of this family, Locustidae, has the same root as the 

 true locusts, or grasshoppers, with which they should not be con- 

 fused on that account. The base of the wings of those males 

 which have well-developed wings is usually constructed for sound 

 producing, so that when the wings are rubbed together and set 

 vibrating, the characteristic note is made. The Japanese inclose 



