Aztecacris
Roberts, 1947
Species Guides
1- Aztecacris gloriosa(Atascosa Gem Grasshopper)
Aztecacris is a of spur-throated grasshoppers in the Acrididae, established by Roberts in 1947. The genus contains three described : A. gloriosa (Atascosa gem ), A. laevis, and A. variabilis. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the Melanoplinae and tribe Dactylotini, it belongs to a diverse group of New World grasshoppers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aztecacris: //æzˌtɛkəˈkrɪs//
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Identification
Aztecacris can be distinguished from other Melanoplinae by the presence of a spur on the , the defining trait of 'spur-throated' grasshoppers. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and subtle differences in tegmina venation and coloration. A. gloriosa is known for its distinctive gem-like appearance.
Habitat
Occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, including grassland and scrubland .
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona) and Mexico (central, northwestern, and southwestern regions).
Similar Taxa
- MelanoplusBoth are spur-throated grasshoppers in Melanoplinae, but Melanoplus is a much larger with broader distribution and greater morphological diversity; Aztecacris is restricted to the southwestern US-Mexico region.
- DactylotumShares tribe Dactylotini and spur-throated characteristic; Dactylotum often exhibit bright, warning coloration not typical of Aztecacris.
More Details
Etymology
The name combines 'Azteca' (referring to the Aztec civilization of central Mexico) with the Greek suffix '-acris' (), reflecting its geographic distribution in Mexico.