Definition

Noun: * A type of grasshopper characterized by having short antennae that are typically less than half the length of its body. This group belongs to the family Acrididae and includes many common grasshopper and locust species.

Usage

• The term "short-horned grasshopper" is used in entomology (the study of insects) to categorize and describe a major family of grasshoppers, distinguishing them from long-horned grasshoppers (like katydids) which have much longer antennae.
• It is a common subject in discussions about agriculture, ecology, and pest control, as many species in this family can form swarms and damage crops.

Examples

• "The farmer identified the pest in his field as a short-horned grasshopper."
• "Compared to the katydid, the short-horned grasshopper has a stouter body and much shorter antennae."
• "Locusts are a type of short-horned grasshopper that can change behavior and form massive swarms."

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts, the family name Acrididae is often used synonymously with "short-horned grasshopper."
• The term can be used descriptively in field guides: "Look for the short antennae to confirm it's a short-horned grasshopper."

Variants and Related Words

• Acridid (noun): A more technical term for a short-horned grasshopper.
• Locust (noun): A specific type of short-horned grasshopper known for its swarming phase.
• Long-horned grasshopper (noun): The contrasting group, such as katydids and crickets, with antennae often longer than their bodies.

Synonyms

• Acridid
• (Commonly, but less precisely) Grasshopper

Antonyms

• Long-horned grasshopper
• Katydid
• Cricket

Noun

1. grasshopper with short antennae