Aeoloplides tenuipennis

(Scudder, 1897)

narrow-winged saltbush grasshopper, narrow-winged bush grasshopper

A -throated specialized on chenopod plants, particularly saltbushes (Atriplex ). It inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it feeds on plants often considered noxious weeds, including Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). The species is generally regarded as or innocuous in rangeland settings rather than a pest.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aeoloplides tenuipennis: /ˌiː.əʊˈlɒplɪˌdiːz ˌtɛnjuˈɪpɛnɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Member of the -throated Melanoplinae, characterized by a distinct spur on the . Specific diagnostic features for this are not documented in available sources; identification to species level requires reference to specialized for western North Melanoplinae. The refers to relatively narrow compared to .

Images

Habitat

Lower Sonoran life zone desert scrub, alkali flats, and grasslands. Associated with saltbush-dominated vegetation, particularly fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) and cattle saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa). Also found in greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) and seepweed (Suaeda) .

Distribution

Eastern California, Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, north through Utah and southern Nevada to southern Idaho. Also occurs in northern Mexico. In Wyoming, probably present in the Bear River watershed but not confirmed by survey collections.

Diet

Specialized feeder on chenopod plants ( Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae). Documented plants include fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), cattle saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa), seepweed/seabite (Suaeda), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), and prickly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus).

Host Associations

Atriplex canescens - fourwing saltbush; abundant in southeastern Arizona
Atriplex polycarpa - cattle saltbush
Suaeda - seepweed or seabite
Sarcobatus vermiculatus - greasewood
Salsola tragus - prickly Russian thistle (tumbleweed)

Life Cycle

development with five nymphal before reaching adulthood. Instar and measurements have been described for identification purposes. stage not explicitly documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

Functions as a specialized on chenopod shrubs in arid . By feeding on plants including noxious weeds like Russian thistle, it provides a or neutral ecological service in grazed rangelands rather than competing with livestock for forage.

Human Relevance

Generally considered innocuous to in cattle-grazed rangelands due to its specialized diet of plants often regarded as weeds. Not documented as a significant agricultural pest. Research interest exists in understanding its nymphal stages for potential management applications.

Similar Taxa

Aeoloplides chenopodiiCongeneric with similar chenopod-feeding ; distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences
Aeoloplides turnbulliCongeneric saltbush ; A. tenuipennis distinguished by narrower and more northern distribution
Melanoplus angustipennisShares 'narrow-winged' but belongs to different ; distinguished by -throat and associations