USA: Rediscovered Grasshopper Once Thought to Be Extinct

An intriguing discovery was made in Augusta County, Virginia, USA: Appalachia hebardi, a species belonging to the family of short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae), which was believed to be extinct for decades, has been rediscovered. The last confirmed sighting of this rare species dates back – depending on the source – to either the 1960s or 1983.

Why Was Appalachia hebardi Thought to Be Extinct?

The dramatic decline of A. hebardi populations is closely linked to the widespread use of insecticides, particularly dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), during the 20th century. Until the 1970s, DDT was extensively applied across the United States to control invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars. The spongy moth, an insect native to Europe and Asia, was introduced to North America in the late 1860s near Boston and has since spread widely. During outbreak years, its larvae defoliate entire forests, primarily targeting hardwood species such as oaks, birches, poplars, and maples.

The large-scale application of DDT to combat spongy moth outbreaks caused severe ecological damage. It is assumed that A. hebardi populations were also significantly impacted by the pesticide’s biocidal effects. In addition to the direct toxicity, habitat loss due to forestry operations and increasing landscape fragmentation contributed to the species’ decline.

Moreover, A. hebardi is a univoltine species, meaning it reproduces only once per year. A 1987 study indicated that this reproductive strategy significantly slows population recovery. Since A. hebardi also produces a relatively low number of eggs, its population regenerates at a slow pace – a factor that makes it even more vulnerable to environmental changes and pesticide exposure. All of these factors likely explain why the species was considered lost for decades.

Rediscovery Through Citizen Science

Due to a lack of systematic research after the 1970s, A. hebardi was long considered extinct – until 2021. Its rediscovery did not begin with targeted field studies but rather with a chance observation by an amateur naturalist. The species was first documented on the platform iNaturalist, a globally used database for biodiversity observations. This finding, along with additional sightings in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, caught the attention of entomologists, including biologist Andrew Rapp, who then began actively searching for the species.

The following year, Rapp intensified his efforts and, in September 2022, successfully confirmed the presence of A. hebardi in Augusta County, Virginia. The discovery was made through targeted habitat investigations, particularly in blueberry thickets and on gravel piles, which were identified as potential microhabitats. Describing the moment of rediscovery to WVTF Public Radio, Rapp recalled: “I locked eyes with it and thought, ‘Oh! I think that’s probably it!’”

Habitat, Reproduction, and Reasons for Long-Term Absence

Appalachia hebardi is a ground-dwelling, flightless species that inhabits early successional forest habitats with dense shrub and grass vegetation. It prefers elevations between 550 and 1,220 meters and is known for its strong escape response – when disturbed, it leaps long distances to avoid predators.

A 1987 study suggests that A. hebardi’s long absence may be partially due to its slow reproductive cycle. The species goes through five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Females lay an average of two egg pods per season, each containing up to 14 eggs, meaning that a single grasshopper may produce at most 42 eggs in its lifetime. Compared to other short-horned grasshoppers, this is a relatively low reproductive rate. In combination with habitat loss and insecticide use, this could have contributed to the species being considered lost for decades.

Another factor is its limited seasonal activity. According to historical records from its original description in 1936, A. hebardi emerges no earlier than the first week of July and remains active until early September. However, recent observations indicate that the species persists until mid-October. Researchers have noted that while some females began laying eggs in September, others had not yet developed eggs by that time. This raises questions about whether the species is adapted to cooler temperatures and aging vegetation or if some females fail to reproduce due to a shortened growing season.

Implications for Conservation

The rediscovery of Appalachia hebardi highlights how little is known about the long-term persistence of many insect populations. Despite decades of presumed extinction, the species has survived – demonstrating the critical importance of preserving natural habitats. Increased attention to this rare grasshopper may help monitor its remaining populations and ensure their long-term survival. At the same time, this finding underscores the necessity of systematically studying poorly researched species to develop effective conservation measures.

References

• Bellinger, R. G., & Pienkowski, R. L. (1987). Life history observations on the grasshopper Appalachia hebardi Rehn and Rehn (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 89(1), 43–46.
• Rehn, J. A. G., & Rehn, J. W. H. (1936). On new or redefined genera of nearctic Melanopli (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Cyrtacanthacridinae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society, 62(1), 1–56.
• WVTF Public Radio. (2025). Appalachian grasshopper, thought to be extinct, rediscovered in Augusta County.