Aptenopedes sphenarioides
Scudder, 1878
linear-winged grasshopper
Aptenopedes sphenarioides, commonly known as the linear-winged , is a of -throated grasshopper in the . It is a North species with three recognized . The species has been documented across the southeastern United States with scattered records extending to the Great Plains.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aptenopedes sphenarioides: /æpˌtɛnəˈpiːdiːz ˌsfɛnəriˈɔɪdiːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The 'linear-winged ' suggests narrow, elongated relative to body size, though specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from are not documented in available sources. As a member of the -throated grasshopper group (Melanoplinae), it likely possesses a small or on the , but this trait requires verification for this .
Images
Distribution
Documented from Florida, Georgia, and Nebraska based on occurrence records. The disjunct distribution pattern suggests either a broader range with gaps in sampling or distinct regional corresponding to the three .
Similar Taxa
- Aptenopedes apalacheeFormerly treated as a (A. s. apalachee) but now recognized as a distinct ; historically confused with A. sphenarioides
- Other Aptenopedes species share the -throated and southeastern U.S. distribution, requiring careful examination of shape and male for separation
More Details
Subspecies
Three are recognized: A. s. sphenarioides (nominate), A. s. clara, and A. s. appalachee. The latter has been elevated to rank by some authorities (as Aptenopedes apalachee), indicating taxonomic instability in this group.
Data sources
Taxonomic and distributional data derived from ITIS, Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and iNaturalist. Direct -level biological studies appear limited in the available literature.