Aidemona azteca
(Saussure, 1861)
Aztec Spur-throated Grasshopper, Aztec spur-throat
Aidemona azteca is a of spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae, commonly known as the Aztec spur-throat or Aztec Spur-throated Grasshopper. First described by Saussure in 1861, this species is native to Central America and parts of southern North America. It belongs to the Melanoplinae, a group of grasshoppers characterized by the presence of a spur or projection on the surface of the throat ().
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aidemona azteca: //aɪdəˈmoʊnə æzˈtɛkə//
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Identification
As a member of the Melanoplinae, A. azteca possesses the diagnostic spur-throat characteristic: a conical projection on the between the front legs. This separates it from grasshoppers in other subfamilies such as Acridinae or Oedipodinae. Specific distinguishing features from and other Melanoplinae are not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Found in Central America and southern North America. Documented occurrence records include: Colombia, Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and northeastern Mexico. The has been recorded in iNaturalist with over 7,000 observations, indicating it is relatively well-observed within its range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Aidemona species share the -level characteristics including spur-throat ; specific identification requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological features not detailed in available sources.
- Other Melanoplinae grasshoppersMembers of this share the spur-throat characteristic; differentiation to and level requires taxonomic knowledge of Acrididae.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Platyphyma aztecum by Saussure in 1861, the was later transferred to the Aidemona. The basionym Platyphyma aztecum is retained as a synonym.
Observation frequency
The is among the more frequently recorded grasshoppers in its range, with over 7,000 observations documented in iNaturalist as of the data cutoff, suggesting it is neither rare nor cryptic within suitable .