Microhabitat segregation among three co-existing species of grasshoppers on a rural meadow near Seoul, South Korea

Abstract

Microhabitat segregation among grasshopper species in Asia has not been well studied. We determined the differences in the use of substrates by three common North East Asian grasshopper species co-existing on a natural meadow near Seoul, South Korea. While many Oedaleusinfernalis individuals were found on the ground, Acridacinerea and Atractomorphalata were usually observed on plants. Acridacinerea was mostly observed on the grass Zoysiajaponica (Poaceae) and Atractomorphalata was mostly found on plants from the family Asteraceae. This is the first study to provide quantitative information about microhabitat differences among some common grasshoppers in rural habitats of continental North East Asia. Future studies should focus on determining the mechanisms that produce such ecological segregation.