Esselenia vanduzeei
Hebard, 1920
Vanduzee's Grasshopper
Species Guides
2Esselenia vanduzeei is a of slant-faced grasshopper in the Acrididae, Gomphocerinae. It is the sole described species in the Esselenia, which is to California. The species was described by Morgan Hebard in 1920 and is named in honor of the entomologist Edward P. Van Duzee. As a member of the Gomphocerinae, it possesses the characteristic slanted profile typical of this subfamily.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Esselenia vanduzeei: /ˌɛsəˈliːniə vænˈdʌziˌaɪ/
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Identification
Esselenia vanduzeei can be distinguished from other California grasshoppers by its combination of slant-faced (placing it in Gomphocerinae rather than other like Melanoplinae or Oedipodinae) and its restricted geographic distribution in California. The Esselenia is , so within its range, specimens assignable to this genus are E. vanduzeei. It may be confused with other gomphocerines such as of Chloealtis or Pseudochorthippus, but precise distinguishing characters require examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological features. The specific epithet honors Edward P. Van Duzee, a prominent early 20th century entomologist.
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Appearance
As a gomphocerine , Esselenia vanduzeei exhibits the diagnostic slant-faced : the fastigium (front of the ) is elevated and slopes backward toward the vertex, creating a distinct facial angle. The are relatively short and thread-like. Detailed external morphology has not been comprehensively described in readily accessible literature, but gomphocerines typically show moderate body size with well-developed wings and hind legs adapted for jumping. Coloration likely varies with , as is common in grasshoppers.
Habitat
Based on distribution records, Esselenia vanduzeei occurs in California, likely in grassland and open types typical for gomphocerine grasshoppers. The specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented, but related in Gomphocerinae generally occupy native grasslands, meadows, and open areas with sufficient herbaceous vegetation for food and cover.
Distribution
to California, United States. Distribution records indicate presence in North America with confirmed occurrence in California. The appears to have a restricted range within the state, though precise boundaries are not well documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Chloealtis spp.Other slant-faced grasshoppers in Gomphocerinae that occur in western North America; share similar general body plan and preferences
- Pseudochorthippus spp.Eurasian gomphocerines that have been introduced to North America; similar slant-faced may cause confusion in identification
- Melanoplus spp.Common California grasshoppers in Melanoplinae (spur-throated grasshoppers); differ in having rounded or vertical profile rather than slanted
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Esselenia was established by Hebard in 1920 with Esselenia vanduzeei as the type and only . The genus name refers to the Esselen people, an group historically inhabiting the central coast of California, reflecting the species' California .
Etymology
The specific epithet vanduzeei honors Edward P. Van Duzee (1861-1941), a prolific entomologist who described hundreds of , particularly in Hemiptera and Orthoptera, and was curator of entomology at the California Academy of Sciences and the Buffalo Museum of Science.