Melanoplus aridus

(Scudder, 1878)

arid lands spur-throat grasshopper

Melanoplus aridus, commonly known as the arid lands spur-throat , is a spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae. It is native to North America, with documented presence in Arizona and other arid regions. The species has been observed feeding on Flourensia cernua leaves, indicating some degree of plant specificity. As a member of the Melanoplus, it shares the characteristic spur-throat with other species in this diverse grasshopper group.

Melanoplus aridus by (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Muir. Used under a CC-BY license.Texas Canyon - Arid Lands Melanoplus by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Arid Lands Spur-Throat Grasshopper (37635873186) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

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

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Images

Habitat

Arid lands and dry environments, as indicated by the epithet and .

Distribution

North America; specifically documented in Arizona.

Diet

Has been observed feeding on leaves of Flourensia cernua (tarbush), among other plants.

Host Associations

  • Flourensia cernua - herbivoreLeaf feeding documented

Tags

Sources and further reading