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Salt Marsh Grasshopper
Orchelium fidicinium
Where it was photographed - Across from the Interpretation Center in
the lower end of Island Beach State Park.
These unique grasshopper exist by the thousands in the estuary and
marsh. It feeds off the grass directly, mostly cord grass.
Salt marsh grasshoppers are said to account for some of the use of the
cord grass (said to be 10% or less) the majority of cord grass is
broken down and consumed by fungi and bacteria to become detritus
(a.k.a “marine soup”). This grasshopper
is very unique because it has adapted to the harsh conditions of the
estuary. Changes oxygen levels, changing temperatures and
changing salt levels make the marshes of the estuary a harsh
environment to adapt to. Any species that has adapted to this
environment is a “super hero of
adaptation”. It is the only species of grasshopper
that thrives throughout the marsh.
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