Plants and Animals
Psinidia fenestralis Atlantic-coast locust
Key Characteristics
The Atlantic-coast locust is a medium-sized speckled grasshopper with slightly flattened antennae and a head that is strongly elevated above the pronutum (dorsal plate behind the head). A short, dull yellow stripe runs from the eye to the edge of the pronutum, which has a prominent central longitudinal ridge (median carina) that is deeply cut by two narrow grooves (sulci).
Status and Rank
US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)
Global Rank: G5 - Secure
State Rank: S1S3
Occurrences
| County | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|
Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
The Atlantic-coast locust inhabits grassy dunes, sand barrens, and sandy blowout areas adjacent to forest edges.
Natural Community Types
For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.
Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.
Management Recommendations
It is likely sensitive to alteration of dune habitat, especially for mining, development or other activities. Prohibit ORV use in sensitive dune areas.
Active Period
Active from fourth week of August to second week of September
Survey Methods
This species can be found by conducting visual surveys or sweep-netting in appropriate habitat.
Visual surveys, sweepnet
Survey Period: From fourth week of August to second week of September
References
Survey References
- Borror, D.J. and R.E. White. 1970. A Field Guide to the Insects of North America and Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 404pp.
- Martin, J.E.H. 1977. The Insects and Arachnids of Canada (Part 1): Collecting, preparing, and preserving insects, mites, and spiders. Publication 1643. Biosystematics Research Institute, Ottawa.
Technical References
- Bland, R.G. 2003. The Orthoptera of Michigan: Biology, Keys, and Descriptions of Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets. Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing. Extension Bulletin E-2815. 220pp.