Hesperotettix pacificus

Scudder, 1897

Pacific Bush Grasshopper

Hesperotettix pacificus is a of spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It is to western North America, with records primarily from California. The species is part of a known for specialized feeding habits on composite plants. Two are recognized: H. p. pacificus and H. p. capillatus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hesperotettix pacificus: //ˌhɛspəroʊˈtɛtɪks pəˈsɪfɪkəs//

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Identification

Members of Hesperotettix can be distinguished from related grasshoppers by the presence of a distinct spur on the surface of the throat (). -level identification within the requires examination of male genitalia and subtle differences in coloration and pronotal shape. H. pacificus is most reliably separated from by geographic range and specific genitalic structures.

Habitat

Based on iNaturalist observation records, the has been documented in California. Members of the Hesperotettix are typically associated with herbaceous vegetation, particularly areas supporting their plants.

Distribution

Recorded from California, western North America. GBIF distribution records confirm presence in California with status listed as present in North America.

Diet

Members of the Hesperotettix are known to feed primarily on plants in the Asteraceae (composites), though specific plant records for H. pacificus are not documented in the provided sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Hesperotettix viridisOverlaps in range and shares the spur-throated characteristic; requires genitalic examination for reliable separation.
  • Other Melanoplinae grasshoppersLack the distinct prosternal spur that defines Hesperotettix.

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Hesperotettix pacificus pacificus Scudder, 1897 (the nominate subspecies) and Hesperotettix pacificus capillatus Hebard, 1919.

Taxonomic note

The Hesperotettix is classified in the tribe Melanoplini, Melanoplinae, within the spur-throated grasshopper Acrididae.

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Sources and further reading