Acrolophitus pulchellus
(Bruner, 1889)
Idaho point-headed grasshopper
Acrolophitus pulchellus is a of in the , to Idaho in the United States. It occupies a highly restricted range in dry, sparsely vegetated shrubland on foothills and floodplains. The species is characterized by its pointed , soft hairy body covering, and distinctive green and coloration. It is closely associated with stemless mock goldenweed (Stenotus acaulis) as an important .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acrolophitus pulchellus: /ˌækrəˈlɒfɪtəs pʌlˈkɛləs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Acrolophitus by its restricted Idaho distribution and association with specific Stenotus acaulis. The combination of pointed , hairy body, and green- mottled coloration with male reddish tinge is diagnostic. Distinguished from the more widespread Acrolophitus hirtipes (Green Fool ) by smaller size, lack of brick-red , and extremely limited range in Idaho versus the broad Great Plains distribution of A. hirtipes.
Appearance
Mottled apple green and in coloration, with males showing a reddish tinge. Body covered in a coat of soft hairs throughout. is distinctly pointed. are threadlike. in size: males average approximately 22 mm in length, females approximately 32 mm.
Habitat
Dry, sparsely vegetated shrubland on foothills and in floodplains. characterized by limited vegetation cover and association with specific .
Distribution
to Idaho, United States. Restricted to Clark and Custer Counties in central Idaho. No confirmed records outside this limited range.
Diet
Associated with stemless mock goldenweed (Stenotus acaulis) as an important . Specific feeding habits on this plant are documented, though broader dietary range remains uncharacterized.
Host Associations
- Stenotus acaulis - stemless mock goldenweed; important
Similar Taxa
- Acrolophitus hirtipesSimilar member with pointed and slant-faced , but distinguished by larger size (males 25-42 mm, females 32-51 mm), brick-red , broad Great Plains distribution from Canada to Mexico, and association with different plants including Mentzelia decapetala
More Details
Conservation significance
Extremely limited range in two Idaho counties makes this potentially vulnerable to alteration. No formal status assessment identified in available sources.
Taxonomic notes
Described by Bruner in 1889. Member of tribe Acrolophitini within Gomphocerinae, a group characterized by slant-faced .