Calliptamus siciliae



Calliptamus siciliae, commonly known as the pygmy pincer grasshopper, is a species of short-horned grasshoppers belonging to the family Acrididae subfamily Calliptaminae.

Distribution
This endemism is only present in the south-east of France, in Switzerland, in mainland Italy and in Sicily (hence the Latin name siciliae).

Habitat
This species inhabits dry meadows, shrubland and arid environments, but also mountainous areas along stony paths, at an elevation of 220 - 1420 m above sea level. It prefers dense vegetation.

Description
Calliptamus siciliae can reach a body length of 12 - 17 mm in males, of 19 - 27 mm in females. The basic coloration of the body is rather variable. It ranges from dark gray, greyish brown to reddish brown. The wings are narrow and dark spotted. The hind wings are transparent milky. The tibiae of the hindlegs and the underside of the femurs are reddish. It can be distinguished from similar species by the front wings (tegmina) shorter than the abdomen.

Biology
Adults can mainly be encountered from July through October.