Chloealtis abdominalis

(Thomas, 1873)

Rocky Mountain Sprinkled Locust

Chloealtis abdominalis is a of slant-faced grasshopper in the Acrididae, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Sprinkled Locust. It belongs to the Gomphocerinae, a group characterized by their slanted profile and stridulatory pegs on the hind legs used for sound production. The species has been documented in the western United States, with records from Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming. It is one of two species in the Chloealtis known from Colorado, alongside the more widespread C. conspersa.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chloealtis abdominalis: /ˌkloʊ.iˈæltɪs əbˌdɒməˈneɪlɪs/

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Identification

Chloealtis abdominalis can be distinguished from its Chloealtis conspersa by differences in abdominal patterning and overall coloration. The specific epithet 'abdominalis' refers to distinctive markings on the that serve as a key diagnostic character. As a member of the Gomphocerinae, it possesses the slanted profile typical of this , with fastigium of vertex narrower than the width of an . The pronotum lacks lateral carinae, and the hind are relatively slender compared to many other Acrididae.

Habitat

Based on regional records, the inhabits grassland environments in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions. The Chloealtis is generally associated with moist to mesic grasslands and meadows.

Distribution

Documented from Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming in the western United States. GBIF distribution records indicate occurrence in these four states, with the appearing to be restricted to the northern Rocky Mountains and adjacent Great Plains.

Behavior

As a member of Gomphocerinae, males likely produce -specific calling songs through stridulation of hind leg pegs against the forewing. This is characteristic of the and plays a role in mate attraction and species recognition.

Similar Taxa

Chloealtis conspersaOverlapping distribution in Colorado and Wyoming; distinguished by abdominal patterning and coloration differences, with C. abdominalis showing more distinct abdominal markings

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Chrysochraon abdominalis by Thomas in 1873, later transferred to the Chloealtis. The genus Chloealtis currently contains two recognized in the western United States.

Conservation Status

Not formally assessed; appears to have a restricted but stable distribution in the northern Rocky Mountain region based on available occurrence records.