Roesel's bush-cricket
Roeseliana roeselii
Roesel's bush-cricket is a widespread orthopteran species identified by a distinctive pale border on the side lobes of the pronotum. It inhabits various open-land habitats ranging from damp meadows to dry fallow land. Its coloration varies between brown and green, typically featuring three pale spots on the sides of the abdomen. The species is well-known for its continuous, high-pitched buzzing song, which resembles the sound of an electric fence.
Details
Identification
Pale, yellowish-white margin on the pronotum; three light spots on the side of the abdomen; usually short-winged (except f. macroptera); green-brown ground color.
Social behavior
Solitary; males are territorial and mark their territory through persistent singing during the day and into the twilight.
Diet
Omnivorous; the diet consists mainly of grasses and herbs, but is regularly supplemented by small insects such as aphids.
Hunting strategy
Opportunistic predator; actively searches vegetation for small insects or catches them upon encounter.
Spawning substrate
Plant stems of grasses, rushes, or pithy perennials.
Overwintering
Overwintering in the egg stage; eggs are laid in plant stems and often require two winters before hatching.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important consumer in grassland ecosystems and a significant prey source for insectivorous birds and spiders.
Natural predators
Birds (e.g., Red-backed Shrike), spiders, ground beetles, small mammals.
Competitor species
Other bush-crickets such as the Short-winged Green Grasshopper.
Ecosystem service
Contribution to biological pest control by consuming aphids.
Threats
Intensive agriculture, frequent mowing of entire areas, use of insecticides.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
The most important feature is the almost completely light-margined lateral lobe of the pronotum. In the normal form, the wings are short (brachypterous), barely reaching the middle of the abdomen in females. Male cerci have a distinct tooth in the middle. The ovipositor of the female is slightly curved upwards and 7-8 mm long.
Habitat
Prefers moderately moist to wet, extensively managed grassland, fallow land, roadsides, and tall herb communities. Also colonizes cereal fields and drier meadows, provided the vegetation structure is dense enough.
Diet
Omnivorous; the diet consists of grasses, herbs (seeds, flowers), and small insects such as aphids or other small larvae.
Role in food web
Wichtiger Primär- und Sekundärkonsument; dient als bedeutende Proteinquelle für insektenfressende Vögel (z. B. Neuntöter) und Spinnen.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Agricultural intensification (frequent mowing, slurry application), loss of fringe structures due to land consolidation, drainage of wet meadows.
Population trend
Stable to increasing; the species is expanding in Northern Europe and at higher altitudes due to climate change and the increase in fallow land.
Conservation measures
Maintenance and promotion of old grass strips (staggered mowing), reduction of mowing frequency to a maximum of two cuts per year, protection of wet meadows.