Melanoplus flabellatus
(Scudder, 1878)
Dallas short-wing grasshopper
Melanoplus flabellatus, commonly known as the Dallas short-wing , is a of spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae. The species was described by Scudder in 1878. It is distributed in North America, with records from Texas.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus flabellatus: /mɛˈlænoʊˌplʌs flæbəˈleɪtəs/
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Identification
As a member of the Melanoplus, this possesses the characteristic spur on the (the 'spur-throated' trait). The 'short-wing ' suggests reduced or abbreviated tegmina relative to other grasshoppers. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from are not documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America. Distribution records include Texas.
Similar Taxa
- Melanoplus occidentalisAlso known as the ' ' in some sources, potentially causing confusion with M. flabellatus; however, M. occidentalis is a distinct with different distribution and
- Other Melanoplus speciesMany share the spur-throated ; precise identification requires examination of male genitalia and wing length characters
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The iNaturalist entry lists this at 'rank: complex' rather than , which may indicate taxonomic uncertainty or the presence of cryptic species within this group. Catalogue of Life and GBIF recognize it as a valid species.
Nomenclature
The specific epithet 'flabellatus' refers to a fan-shaped structure, likely describing some aspect of the wing or body .