Melanoplus forcipatus
Hubbell, 1932
toothcercus shortwing grasshopper, broad cercus scrub grasshopper
Melanoplus forcipatus is a of -throated to a restricted area of central Florida. It is known only from scrub and sandhill in Highlands and Orange counties. The species was described by Hubbell in 1932 and is one of several shortwing grasshoppers in the Melanoplus with limited distributions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus forcipatus: /mɛˈlæ.nəˌplʌs ˌfɔr.sɪˈpeɪ.təs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Melanoplus by features of the male , which are broad and forcipate (-like or tong-like) in shape, as indicated by the specific epithet. The "toothcercus" refers to or modification of the cerci. As a member of the "shortwing" group, it likely has reduced or relative to fully winged grasshopper species.
Habitat
to scrub and sandhill . These are xeric, fire-maintained characterized by sandy soils, open of pine or oak, and understory of shrubs and grasses.
Distribution
to Highlands County and Orange County, Florida, USA. The has a highly restricted range within the central Florida peninsula.
Similar Taxa
- MelanoplusOther in the Melanoplus share general body plan and characteristics, but differ in male genitalic structures, particularly the shape of the and .
- Melanoplus querneusAnother shortwing scrub with restricted Florida distribution; distinguished by differences in male and geographic range (M. querneus occurs in different scrub regions).
More Details
Conservation status
The highly restricted distribution in a specific vulnerable to development and fire suppression suggests potential concern, though no formal status has been assigned.
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet "forcipatus" directly describes the -like male , a diagnostic feature used in identification within Melanoplus.