About Roeseliana roeselii (Hagenbach, 1822)
Roesel's bush-cricket, with the scientific name Roeseliana roeselii (Hagenbach, 1822), also known by the synonym Metrioptera roeselii, is a European bush-cricket named after German entomologist August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof. This species is commonly found across southern and central Europe, and extends further north into Finland, Latvia, and Sweden. Its native range spans from western Europe to western Siberia. Both vegetation structure and plant species affect the distribution of Roesel's bush-cricket. Grass length is a key structural factor: shorter grasses increase the species' risk of predation and environmental disturbance, while longer grasses block light. Grassland height also matters for sound propagation; a higher stridulation position is essential for most bush crickets, because grasslands interfere with sound transmission. The species' preferred sward height changes depending on the time of year. Roesel's bush-crickets prefer ungrazed meadows with tall grass swards, and grass itself is part of their diet. Their diet also includes grass seeds and smaller insects. They prefer humid conditions, so they need reasonably undisturbed grassland habitats. Because of their affinity for tall grasses, they can be found in a range of habitats, including long grass swards along road edges, field borders, and pastures.
