ORTHOPTERA > CAELIFERA > Tetrigidae (Groundhoppers)

Despite its reasonably widespread distribution, particularly across southern and central areas of the country, the Slender Groundhopper is listed as a local rather than common species. They are slightly smaller and slimmer than the Common Groundhopper [Tetrix undulata], but have an extended pronotum that gives them a greater length. Females usually measure 11-14mm (head to wingtips) and the marginally smaller males 9-12mm. The pronotum and long wings extend some 3-5mm beyond the tip of the abdomen, which is the important feature to look for when distinguishing between the two species.

Being a fully winged insect, it is capable of flight, unlike Tetrix undulata, so can occasionally be found in habitats that wouldn't normally be associated with the species. The normal habitat for Tetrix subulata would be in damp areas where there is some bare ground, such as pond margins or alongside damp woodland rides.

It should be noted that the nationally scarce Cepero's Groundhopper [Tetrix ceperoi] also has long wings and, although rare and primarily a coastal species, it can be quite difficult to separate from Tetrix subulata even though it's described as having a more mottled appearance and distinctive wavy mid-leg femurs. It actually looks a lot like the individual below photographed in Devon, but notwithstanding the wavy leg, the vertex (crown) of that species is marginally wider with a greater distance between the eyes.