Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic family of insects within the order Orthoptera, commonly known as short-horned grasshoppers or true locusts. Members of this family are characterized by their relatively short antennae and are known for some species' swarming behavior.

Usage Notes

• "Family Locustidae" is a scientific term used primarily in entomology and biological classification (taxonomy). It refers to a specific group of grasshoppers. In modern taxonomic systems, this family name is sometimes considered synonymous with or a subset of the family Acrididae.
• The term is typically used in academic, scientific, or technical writing. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples of Usage

• Scientific Context:
  • The researcher studied the migratory patterns of several species within the family Locustidae.
  • A key characteristic of the family Locustidae is the length of their antennae, which are shorter than their bodies.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Discussion: The classification "family Locustidae" may be used in historical texts or specific taxonomic frameworks. In contemporary literature, many experts place these insects within the broader family Acrididae, subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae, or tribe Locustini.
  • While traditionally grouped as the family Locustidae, many of the swarming locusts are now classified under the family Acrididae.

Variants and Related Words

• Locustidae: The base form of the taxonomic family name.
• Locust (n): The common name for certain swarming, short-horned grasshoppers, often from species historically placed in this family.
  • A plague of locusts can devastate crops.
• Acrididae (n): The family name now more commonly used to encompass short-horned grasshoppers, including many former Locustidae species.
• Orthoptera (n): The insect order that includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids.

Synonyms

• Short-horned grasshoppers: A descriptive common name.
• True locusts: A common name specifying the swarming species within this group.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Swarm (n/v): A large or dense group of insects, especially locusts, moving together. This is a key behavioral phenomenon associated with some members of this family.
  • The locust swarm darkened the sky.
• Gregarious phase: A biological state in some locust species where they change behavior and morphology to form swarms.

Noun

1. short-horned grasshoppers; true locusts