Conserving Orthoptera in the wild: lessons from Trimerotropis infantilis (Oedipodinae)

Orthopteran species are increasingly threatened with extinction in the wild. I review the state of orthopteran conservation in the wild, focusing on unique challenges facing these efforts. To provide a basis for discussion, I first review conservation efforts for Trimerotropis infantilis, the Zayante bandwinged grasshopper, which was the first orthopteran given official protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. I then address the principal challenges for orthopteran conservation. Successful conservation of Orthoptera in the wild will require motivation for conservation action, availability of basic biological information, and development of applied management programmes.