Ligurotettix planum

Ligurotettix planum is a slant-faced grasshopper (subfamily Gomphocerinae), characterized by the distinctive slanting facial profile typical of this group. It can be distinguished from the closely related Desert Clicker (Ligurotettix coquilletti) by geographic range and subtle morphological differences; L. planum occurs further east in the Pecos River region and adjacent areas, while L. coquilletti is found in the Sonoran and Mojave Desert regions. Specific distinguishing features from congeners require examination of male genitalia and stridulatory peg patterns.

Arid and semi-arid regions, particularly areas dominated by creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and associated desert scrub vegetation. The species occupies sandy and rocky desert flats, washes, and slopes within the Chihuahuan Desert and adjacent ecoregions.

Recorded from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States, extending southward into northeastern Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, and adjacent states). The distribution centers on the Pecos River valley and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert regions.

• Larrea tridentata - primary host plantCreosote bush; primary food source and territorial perch for males

Males produce repetitive acoustic territorial displays (stridulations) by rubbing a row of stridulatory pegs on the inside of the hind femur against the forewing. Males are highly sedentary and defend individual creosote bushes as territories. Territorial defense involves a sequence of stridulation, chasing, and physical combat with intruding males. Females are attracted to male songs but do not stridulate.

Herbivore in desert scrub ecosystems; contributes to nutrient cycling through consumption of creosote bush foliage. Serves as prey for birds, reptiles, and arthropod predators. Male territoriality and acoustic signaling may influence plant community structure through localized grazing pressure.

• Ligurotettix coquillettiVery similar congeneric species; distinguished by geographic separation (L. coquilletti in Sonoran/Mojave Deserts, L. planum in Chihuahuan Desert/ Pecos region) and subtle morphological differences in male genitalia
• Other GomphocerinaeShare slant-faced morphology; distinguished by stridulatory apparatus structure, habitat specificity to creosote bush, and acoustic behavior pattern

• grasshopper
• slant-faced grasshopper
• clicker grasshopper
• acoustic communication
• territoriality
• desert fauna
• creosote bush associate
• Chihuahuan Desert

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Spotlight | Entomology Research Museum
• Field Guide Selected References