Gymnoscirtetes rex

Distinguished from the closely related G. morsei by three key male genital characters: narrower subgenital plate tubercule; less falcate and sometimes rounded cercus apex; and more truncate dorsal valves of the aedeagus. Distinguished from other Gymnoscirtetes species by geographic range (east of the Ocklochnee River in Florida panhandle) and the combination of gracile form, vestigial wings, and brownish-green or bronze coloration with black post-ocular stripe. The flightless condition and habitat preference for mesic grasslands help separate it from co-occurring grasshopper species with functional wings.

Small, gracile grasshopper with vestigial wings (minute, scale-like, rendering the species flightless). Body coloration brownish-green or bronze with a distinct black post-ocular stripe. Hind tibia pale dull green. Sexual dimorphism in size: males 11.8–17 mm, females 17.5–22.2 mm. Male cerci falcate (curved like a sickle) with apex less falcate and sometimes rounded compared to related species. Subgenital plate with dorsally expanded lateral lobes and a tubercule that is longer than wide but narrower than in G. morsei.

Primarily associated with mesic grasslands of the southeastern North American Coastal Plain. Most commonly found in pitcher plant bogs, flatwoods, and edges of seasonal ponds. Occasionally occurs in grassy sandhills. Specifically inhabits low, moist, open portions of flatwoods, particularly areas sloping to and bordering bayheads, bogs, fens, hydric hammocks, swamps, or seasonal ponds. Within these habitats, individuals are found among dense patches of grass or tall slender vegetation where their gracile form and lateral striping provide effective camouflage.

Endemic to the central to eastern portion of the Florida panhandle, specifically east of the Ocklochnee River. Represents the eastern range limit of the morsei species group, which extends westward from this point to Mobile Bay, Alabama.

Flightless due to vestigial wings. Effective crypsis achieved through gracile body form and lateral striping when positioned among dense grass or tall slender vegetation. A pair in copula has been observed, indicating mating behavior in the field.

Functions as a dominant herbivore in the temperate grassland systems it inhabits. As a flightless specialist of mesic grassland habitats, it likely contributes to nutrient cycling and serves as prey for invertebrate and vertebrate predators within these ecosystems.

• Gymnoscirtetes morseiOverlaps in geographic range (morsei group extends from Mobile Bay, Alabama to Ocklochnee River, Florida) and shares falcate male cerci, subgenital plate with dorsally expanded lateral lobes, and morsei group characteristics. Distinguished by broader subgenital plate tubercule, more falcate cercus apex, and less truncate dorsal valves of the aedeagus in males.
• Gymnoscirtetes pusillusCo-occurring congeneric species in the southeastern Coastal Plain; distinguished by pusillus species group characteristics and geographic distribution patterns.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
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• Revision of Gymnoscirtetes (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae): a genus endemic to the grasslands of the southeastern North American Coastal Plain