Species

BackArminda brunneri Krauss, 1892

Arminda brunneri Krauss, 1892

Tenerife Rock Grasshopper

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Coleoptera
  • Family: Acrididae
LC Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status:

Countries of Occurrence:
Spain - Canaries

Archipelago(s):
Canaries

Assessor/s:
Hochkirch, A.

Reviewer/s:
Odé, B. & García, M.

Contributor/s:
Jakobs, D. & Kranz, M.

Facilitators / Compilers/s:


Assessment Rationale:

The Tenerife Rock Grasshopper occurs on rocky slopes in many parts of Tenerife. The species is widespread is therefore assessed as Least Concern (LC). However, more research into its population trend is needed. A phylogenetic study suggests that this taxon represents two or three species occupying different parts of the island (Hochkirch and Görzig 2009). Therefore, taxonomic research is needed as well. However, even if the subpopulations belong to several species, they are unlikely to be threatened as the habitats are little affected by human activities, and the only threats are natural volcanism and avalanches.

Geographic Range:

This species is endemic to Tenerife, where it occurs throughout the island from the coast to the sub-alpine zone. Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is c. 2,540 km². Genetic analyses suggest that the subpopulations from Tenerife may belong to two or three different species. Former records from other islands belong to other species (Hochkirch and Görzig 2009).

 

Regions:
Spain - Canaries
Extent of Occurrence (EOO):
2543 (km2)
Area of Occupancy (AOO):
(km2)
Elevation Lower Limit:
(m)
Elevation Upper Limit:
2100 (m)
Biogeographic Realms:
Paleartic
Presence:
Extant
Origin:
Endemic Canaries
Seasonality:
Resident

Population:

There is no information available on the population size and trend of the species. The species is very widespread on Tenerife, where it mainly occurs in rather remote areas (particularly at steep rocky slopes), which are little affected by humans. The population trend is unknown.

Habitat and Ecology

This species occurs mainly on steep rocky slopes.

Major Threat(s):

This species' habitat is not under strong pressure by human activities. Natural threats are volcanism and avalanches.

Conservation Actions

No specific conservation actions are in place for this species. It occurs in several protected areas, including Teide National Park. Research into its taxonomy is needed, as the subpopulations on Tenerife may belong to two or three species. Furthermore, there is a need for studies on its population trends and life history.