Arid Lands Spur-Throat Grasshopper

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melanoplus aridus: //mɛˌlænoʊˈplʌs ˈærɪdəs//

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

Images

Summary

Melanoplus aridus is a spur-throated grasshopper known for its adaptability across various habitats in North America, showing significant regional variation. While it can be difficult to distinguish from closely related species, it typically presents identifying features such as a slender body, specific coloration patterns, and habitat preferences.

Physical Characteristics

Smallish, mostly under 1 inch, but sometimes longer in the south. Antennae and eyes are usually brown, often strongly reddish. With very short wings; tegmina oval and usually widely separated. The pronotum has a wide bar with a pale spot that narrows to a slightly up-bowed dark line at the top edges. Distinct dark stripes are present on the pronotum. Abdomen usually has two dark bands and often a second pair of dark lines just above these. The underside is usually yellowish. Hind tibia are blue, often with blue or yellow on the lower half of the femur's knee. Male features include a subgenital plate that is evenly curved, well-developed fuculae, and slender cerci that are long, bent, and slightly swollen toward the tip.

Identification Tips

Separability from Melanoplus desultorius may be based on coloration and average size differences, but individual characteristics often overlap. Gray individuals can be found mating with the colorful red-eyed individuals of M. desultorius.

Habitat

Mostly found in open dry exposed areas where food plants grow; varies from low desert and grasslands into the mountains.

Distribution

Texas to Kansas and westward into California, with variation across regions.

Diet

Primarily feeds on plants such as Flourensia cernua and other composites in the Aster Tribe.

Life Cycle

Eggs overwinter; adults emerge in late spring and are present until frost.

Evolution

Shows much regional variation in size and coloration, suggesting adaptations to local environments.

Similar Taxa

• Melanoplus desultorius
• Melanoplus tristis

Misconceptions

Often misidentified due to overlapping characteristics with other species such as M. desultorius and M. tristis; but many individuals fall within a continuum of size and coloration.

Tags

• grasshopper
• Melanoplus aridus
• Acrididae
• North America
• orthopteran