5
DISTRIBUTION OF SOME ESSEX GRASSHOPPERS AND BUSH
CRICKETS
Since the publication in 1984 of the provisional
distribution maps of Essex Orthoptera, certain
'patterns' or 'gaps' are beginning to emerge in
relation to certain species, and in order to assist
present and would be recorders in future to maximise
their efforts in particular areas, I thought a few
relevant details may be of use. Please continue to
record on a 1 km. O.S. grid reference. Any records
should be sent to me with date of discovery and any
other details that may be of use.
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus)
This species can be found most commonly along sea walls
or on any vegetation close to the sea or neighbouring
creeks and estuaries. However, there is an increasing
number of records nationally for this species occurring
far inland, particularly on dry, sandy, heath-type veg-
etation. In the Roman River Valley to the south of
Colchester for instance, it can be found on the heath-
land with Mottled Grasshopper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus)
and Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus),
two species that favour this rather dry and sparse
vegetation. A single record for this species has
turned up right in the north-west of our county,
suggesting a reasonable possibility of finding this
insect almost anywhere in Essex given suitable habitat.
Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus)
This grasshopper appears to be something of an enigma
to me, sometimes inhabiting its most preferred areas
of dry, fairly sparse vegetation in great numbers:
whilst in other equally suitable looking habitats, it
is not to be found. Dry roadside verges of good
width often turn up this species, but it does appear
to be less common in the north-west of our county,
making records from that area more than welcome. It
appears to be absent from areas of lush grassland.