Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Keyacris scurra
Gazetted date:
17 Jul 2020
Profile last updated:
20 Aug 2024
Description
Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper is a small (females ~25 mm, males ~18mm), slender, wingless grasshopper characterised by its slanted face, splayed hind femora (longest segment of the hind leg) and sword-shaped antennae. This species occurs in several colour forms, with brown being the most common. A similar-looking species which occurs in the same area are nymphs of Giant Green Slantface (Acrida conica), although Giant Green Slantface develops wing buds which allow differentiation from Key's Matchstick Grasshopper. Key's Matchstick Grasshopper is in the subfamily Morabini which is endemic to Australia and includes ~41 genera of flightless grasshoppers, many of which are undescribed.
Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper is usually found in native grasslands and open woodlands but has also been recorded in other vegetation associations containing a native grass understory (especially disturbance tolerant grasses including, but not always, kangaroo grass Themeda triandra) and known food plants (particularly Asteraceae and species listed in the 'habitat and ecology' section below). More recently, however, opportunistic sightings of Key's Matchstick Grasshopper have been reported in a wide range of vegetation types in south-east NSW including wet sclerophyll forest, montane low forest, dry woodlands, heathland and montane grasslands. In some reported locations there is an absence of kangaroo grass and very few or no Asteraceae. Being flightless, this species does not disperse large distances which suggests these observations are indicative of resident populations (rather than dispersing individuals).
Distribution
Key’s Matchstick grasshopper was originally distributed from Victoria to Orange (NSW) across the wheat/sheep belt, typically recorded in native grasslands and grassy woodland. Its northern boundaries are poorly defined, with its Victorian distribution most notable in the Omeo district, and it has been found in remnant vegetation with sympathetic management including private land, cemeteries, along railway easements, travelling stock routes and more recently conservation reserves in the ACT. Disturbance appears to be an important determinant of site occupancy and it appears to be absent from sites that are disturbed during inappropriate times of the year (and interrupt the short non-overlapping lifecycle) or have been subjected to erratic management (e.g. periods of over and under grazing). More recently this species has been incidentally recorded within a wider range of habitats than were previously thought to be suitable and further research is required to determine the importance of these locations to the distribution and conservation status of this species. It is also possible that given these newer records are in atypical habitats they may represent a similar but undescribed taxon. Another similar species (Keyacris marcida) occurs to the west of Key's Matchstick Grasshopper and is apparently overlapping. At three places in NSW these species (Key's Matchstick Grasshopper and the related Keyacris marcida) occur within 14-16 km of each other. To the east of its range there is some overlap with a species of Heide (largely occurring in the coastal ranges, but recently recorded at Scotts NR) that is distinguished by its more numerous antennal segments. Its northern boundaries in the NSW Central Tablelands and Slopes are poorly defined with a very low survey effort, with recent records around Bathurst the northernmost, but it ranges southwards into parts of Victoria, notably in the Omeo district.
Habitat and ecology
- Typically found in native grasslands and grassy woodlands but it has also been recorded in other vegetation associations usually containing a native grass understory (especially kangaroo grass Themeda triandra) and known food plants (particularly Asteraceae).
- Opportunistic sightings (as opposed to records from systematic surveys) have been reported in a wide range of vegetation types in south-east NSW, including wet
sclerophyll forest, montane low forest, dry woodlands, heathland, and montane grasslands
- In some reported locations there is an absence of Themeda and very few or no Asteraceae.
- Being flightless, this species does not disperse large distances (<10m) which suggests these observations are indicative of resident populations (rather than dispersing individuals).
- Has been observed to feed on a range of species including Aira caryophyllea (Silver hairgrass), Scirpus sp. (sedges), Wurmbea dioica (Early Nancy), Bulbine bulbosa (Native Leek), Calochilus paludosus (Red Beard Orchid), Rumex crispus (Curled Dock), Acetosella vulgaris/Rumex acetosella (Sorrel), Cerastium glomeratum (Mouse-ear Chickweed), Ranunculus lappaceus (Common Buttercup), Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar), Acaena ovina (Orchid), Trifolium subterraneum (Subterranean Clover), Trifolium arvense (Haresfoot Clover), Poranthera microphylla, Stackhousia monogyna (Creamy Candles), Hibbertia sericea, Lavandula stoechas (Lavender), Salvia verbenaca (Vervain), Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein), Sherardia arvensis (Field Madder), Galium tricornatum
(Rough Fruited Bedstraw), Helichrysum apiculatum (Common Everlasting), Ozothamnus retusus or O. scaber (Helichrysum bilobum), Podolepis jaceoides (Podolepis acuminate) (Showy Copper-wire Daisy) and Craspedia uniflora.
- There is only one generation a year with no overlapping generations. Hatching from the egg takes place from January to March. Most males become adult by May, but females overwinter as nymphs and do not mature until the spring. Copulation has been observed in nature from September to the end of December.
- Fecundity is low; the maximum number of eggs obtained from a pair mating in captivity was 21 and eggs are laid in pods in the soil.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and degradation of habitat by urban, residential, infrastructure and agricultural development.
- Modifications to agricultural practices (e.g. fertiliser application, ploughing and inappropriate grazing).
- Overstocking that results in modification of soil structure through compaction, increased nutrient loads, and promotion of weeds.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds, particularly exotic pasture species (e.g. Phalaris aquatica, Paspalum dilatatum and Avena spp.).
- Colonisation of suitable grassy habitat by native and exotic trees and shrubs.
- Fragmentation and small size of remnants.
- Invasion of habitat by St John's wort.
- Slashing to remove biomass important for protection.
- The species’ abundance and occurrence are poorly understood due to difficulties in identification.
- Poor understanding of how to manage the species habitat.
- Poor understanding of the factors influencing species viability following translocation.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Search for the species in suitable habitat in areas that are proposed for development or management actions.
- Retain and protect natural grassland remnants within the known distribution of the species.
- Do not change management of sites where species exists unless changes are likely to be beneficial.
- Do not destroy habitat and surrounding areas by ploughing and do not allow heavy, prolonged grazing on habitat.
- Control invasions of weeds and pasture species (but be wary of the impact of herbicide use in habitat): where possible use methods that directly target weeds such as spot spraying and hand removal.
- Where woody species threatens to out-compete grassy habitat in previously grazed or mown sites, consider re-introducing an appropriate biomass control method.
- Ensure remnant populations remain connected or linked to each other; in cases where remnants have lost connective links, re-establish links by revegetating sites to act as stepping stones for dispersal.
- Mark known sites onto maps and plans.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|