Arthropods That Live in a Grassland Biome

Grassland biomes are areas of dry grassland found throughout the world's temperate and subtropical climates, including the U.S., Canada, Russia and Turkey. Specific characteristics define the group of animals known as arthropods. Arthropods can be characterized by four easily identifiable characteristics, which are symmetric bodies, paired and segmented appendages, bilateral symmetry and hard exoskeletons.

  1. Characteristics

    • The world's grassland biomes are characterized by cold winters and hot summers, with a temperature range of 32 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation within grassland biomes is limited, with less than 39 inches received as an average and a low precipitation level of around 8 inches per year. Many animals can be found living in the grassland biome, including rhinoceros, zebra, horses, birds and insects. Among these animals are arthropods, which include insects, arachnids, centipedes and millipedes. Worldwide, arthropods make up around 75 percent of the world's animal species.

    Butterflies

    • Among the arthropods commonly found living in grassland biome areas of the world are butterflies. Common grassland biome butterflies include the Monarch and Viceroy butterflies, which can be identified by their similar orange and black markings. Monarch butterflies are known to be poisonous because they feed on the toxic milkweed plant found within the grassland biome. The Milkweed Bug is another arthropod that can be found feeding on the seeds of the toxic milkweed; this insect is similar to the Dogbane Leaf Beetle also found in grassland areas. Although not originally considered poisonous, the Viceroy butterfly is now thought to be poisonous if it feeds on toxic plants, such as the milkweed found in grassland areas.

    Beetles

    • Arthropod species that dwell in grassland biomes can be more abundant in different grassland areas around the world. For example, the beetle is a type of arthropod found in grasslands throughout the world, but different species are found in different regions. The Sandy Tiger Beetle is found throughout the Canadian grasslands. In Utah's grassland, the Sandy Tiger is limited to some areas of coral pink. Other species of beetle that can be found in grassland areas include the Ghost Tiger Beetle, a pale-bodied beetle with pale legs. The Ghost Tiger is a summer species that can be found in large areas of sand dunes.

    Others

    • A number of other arthropods are generally associated with the grassland biome. Grasshoppers use their strong legs to leap large distances to avoid predators on the grasslands, which include snakes. Other arthropods that make their homes on the grasslands include moths, soil mites and various species of tick.