Melanoplus
Melanoplus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Caelifera
- Family: Acrididae
- Subfamily: Melanoplinae
- Tribe: Melanoplini
- Genus: Melanoplus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus: //məˈlæ.nə.pləs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Melanoplus is a diverse genus of grasshoppers known for their variability in size and colors, primarily distributed across North America. They play significant ecological roles, both beneficial and detrimental, especially in agricultural contexts.
Physical Characteristics
Small to relatively large, relatively smooth; often brownish, grayish, yellowish, or greenish. Pronotum relatively smooth and rounded, wings vary in shape; males have a sharply curving subgenital plate.
Identification Tips
Positive identifications may require examination of male genitalia; similar species must be closely examined, as many look alike.
Habitat
Most species favor herbaceous or shrubby dicots. Some also inhabit wide-leaved herbaceous monocots and coniferous areas.
Distribution
All of North America, with one species, Melanoplus frigidus, extending into parts of Eurasia.
Diet
Feeds on grasses, leafy agricultural crops, and garden plants, consuming leaves, fruit, flowers, and buds.
Life Cycle
Nymphs go through 5 to 6 instars, usually hatching in spring or early summer. Mature adults are present from late spring to first autumn freezes.
Reproduction
Most species lay eggs that overwinter in the soil, cracks in rocks, or in other organic materials; some may remain in the egg stage for several years.
Ecosystem Role
Some species can be beneficial as they prefer weedy plants, while others can be serious agricultural pests.
Economic Impact
Includes notable agricultural pests such as the Rocky Mountain locust; some species have historically had significant impacts on crops.
Cultural Significance
Melanoplus spretus (Rocky Mountain locust) once swarmed across midcontinental regions before becoming extinct, impacting agriculture significantly.
Evolution
Undergoing speciation in isolated areas, often through hybridization. The genus is likely to be split into smaller taxonomic units in future classifications.
Misconceptions
The common name 'spur-throated grasshoppers' is sometimes confused with members of the subfamily Catantopinae, who are not included in Melanoplus.
Tags
- grasshoppers
- Melanoplus
- orthoptera
- agricultural pests
- North America