Hesperotettix floridensis
Morse, 1901
Florida purple-striped grasshopper, Florida purple-striped locust
Hesperotettix floridensis is a of spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae. It is to Florida and belongs to the Hesperotettix, which includes several North American grasshopper species. The species was described by Morse in 1901. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only nine records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hesperotettix floridensis: /hɛspɛroʊˈtɛtɪks flɔrɪˈdɛnsɪs/
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Identification
As a member of the Melanoplinae (spur-throated grasshoppers), this possesses a distinct spur or projection on the (the plate between the front legs). The specific epithet 'floridensis' indicates its Florida origin. Within the Hesperotettix, it may be distinguished from the more widespread H. viridis (snakeweed grasshopper) by geographic range and potentially by coloration, though detailed diagnostic features are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
to Florida, United States. Distribution records indicate presence in North America with confirmed occurrence in Florida.
Similar Taxa
- Hesperotettix viridisCongeneric with similar pattern ('green-streak grasshopper' vs. 'purple-striped grasshopper'), but H. viridis has a much broader distribution across western North America including Wyoming and Colorado, whereas H. floridensis is restricted to Florida.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Hesperotettix belongs to the tribe Melanoplini within the Melanoplinae. The specific epithet 'floridensis' follows the standard Latin convention indicating geographic origin from Florida.