The effects of grazing and mowing on large marsh grasshopper, Stethophyma grossum (Orthoptera: Acrididae), populations in Western Europe: a review

By

Miller, Jacqui
Gardiner, Tim

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018-6-12

Original Publication

Journal of orthoptera research : JOR

Volume

27

Series / Issue

Issue: 1

Pages

91--96

Subjects

adults , Biodiversity conservation , bog , Eggs , grassland , Management , mire , nymphs , vegetation structure , wetland

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Philadelphia, Penn Orthopterists' Society 1992-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.27.23835

 

Abstract

The large marsh grasshopper,StethophymagrossumL. (Orthoptera: Acrididae), has undergone a significant range contraction in the UK and is now restricted to the bogs and mires of the New Forest and Dorset Heaths. In other parts of Western Europe, the species makes use of a wider range of wetland habitat types. Traditionally, many of these habitats would be managed through low intensity grazing, mowing, or both, and these measures are now often employed in the conservation management of wet grassland habitats. This paper reviews the effects of mowing and grazing onS.grossumpopulations, through looking at the potential impacts (both positive and negative) on different life stages of the grasshopper. Both techniques are valuable in the maintenance of an open and varied vegetation structure which is known to benefitS.grossumin all its life stages. However, grazing on very wet sites or at high intensity can result in trampling of vegetation andS.grossumeggs, and mowing which is too frequent may negatively affect populations through repeated losses of nymphs. Recommendations are given regarding the suitability of mowing and grazing for different habitats and intensity of management to generate the required vegetation structure. Measures are also outlined, such as the provision of unmown or ungrazed refuge areas, which can help reduce negative effects.