Aeoloplides
Caudell, 1916
Saltbush Grasshoppers
Species Guides
9- Aeoloplides californicus(California saltbush grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides chenopodii(Colorado Plateaus Saltbush Grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides elegans(elegant saltbush grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides fratercula(Northern Coast Bush Grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides fuscipes(Southern Coast Bush Grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides minor(Little Saltbush Grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides rotundipennis(Rio Grande saltbush grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides tenuipennis(narrow-winged saltbush grasshopper)
- Aeoloplides turnbulli(thistle grasshopper)
Aeoloplides is a of spur-throated grasshoppers comprising approximately nine described . Members are commonly known as saltbush grasshoppers, reflecting their documented association with saltbush-dominated . The genus belongs to the Melanoplinae within Acrididae. Species within this genus occur in western North America, with records from Colorado, Wyoming, and surrounding states.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aeoloplides: //ˌeɪɒloʊˈplaɪdiːz//
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Identification
Spur-throated grasshoppers with a distinct projection on the . in this can be distinguished from other Melanoplinae by genitalia characteristics and wing venation patterns. Aeoloplides tenuipennis is characterized by narrow wings relative to body size. Specific identification to species level requires examination of male genitalia and often depends on geographic location and plant associations.
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Habitat
Associated with saltbush (Atriplex) and related saline or alkaline environments. occur in rangeland vegetation where saltbush dominates. The Wyoming Distribution Atlas notes that Aeoloplides turnbulli is a weed-feeding species associated with thistle, suggesting some species may occupy disturbed or weedy habitats.
Distribution
Western North America. Documented from Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. The Wyoming Distribution Atlas indicates Aeoloplides turnbulli occurs in Wyoming, while Aeoloplides chenopodii and Aeoloplides tenuipennis are probable in specific watersheds (lower Green River and Bear River watershed respectively) but underrepresented in standard rangeland surveys due to their association with non-rangeland .
Diet
Saltbush (Atriplex) ; Aeoloplides turnbulli has been documented feeding on thistle (Cirsium).
Host Associations
- Atriplex - food plantimplied by 'saltbush grasshopper' and association
- Cirsium - food plantdocumented for Aeoloplides turnbulli
Life Cycle
with nymphal development in spring and summer, in mid to late summer. Instar stages have been described for Aeoloplides tenuipennis.
Behavior
Aeoloplides turnbulli is noted as a weed-feeding that may be underrepresented in standard rangeland surveys due to its preferences.
Human Relevance
Some have minor pest potential on rangeland vegetation. Aeoloplides turnbulli may be relevant for of thistle weeds. The is generally considered of low economic concern compared to major rangeland pest grasshoppers.
Similar Taxa
- MelanoplusBoth are spur-throated grasshoppers in Melanoplinae; Aeoloplides is distinguished by saltbush specificity and genitalia
- HesperotettixAnother of spur-throated grasshoppers with weed-feeding habits; Aeoloplides differs in plant associations and geographic range
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Species Records and Accounts
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Wyoming Distribution Atlas
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Instars of Narrow-Winged Saltbush Grasshopper,Aeoloplides tenuipennis(Scudder, 1897) (Acrididae: Melanoplinae), with Notes on Habitat and Identification