Melanoplus flavidus elongatus
Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus flavidus elongatus is a of the yellowish spur-throat grasshopper in the Acrididae. It is part of the diverse Melanoplus , which contains numerous across North America. The nominate subspecies M. flavidus flavidus occurs in Colorado and surrounding regions. This subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species, though specific distinguishing characteristics for the subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus flavidus elongatus: /mɛˈlænəˌplʌs ˈflævɪdəs əˈloʊŋɡeɪtəs/
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Distribution
The nominate Melanoplus flavidus occurs widely in Colorado and surrounding western states. The subspecies elongatus represents a geographic variant, though precise boundaries are not clearly established in available literature. The is associated with grassland and prairie across the western United States.
Similar Taxa
- Melanoplus flavidus flavidusNominate ; differences between subspecies are subtle and require examination of or detailed morphometric analysis
- Melanoplus infantilisAnother small Melanoplus with yellowish coloration; M. flavidus is distinguished by specific pronotal and tegminal characteristics
More Details
Taxonomic Status
The elongatus is listed in some taxonomic catalogs as a valid subspecies of M. flavidus, though detailed diagnostic features are not readily available in standard field guides. Subspecies boundaries in Melanoplus often reflect clinal geographic variation rather than discrete, easily diagnosed .
Data Limitations
Available sources from Colorado and Wyoming surveys list M. flavidus at the level but do not provide specific accounts for the elongatus. Detailed biological information for this subspecies would require examination of primary taxonomic literature or museum specimen records.