Melanoplus glaucipes
(Scudder, 1875)
Glaucus-legged Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus glaucipes is a of short-horned in the Melanoplinae, commonly known as the glaucus-legged spur-throat grasshopper. The species was described by Scudder in 1875. It belongs to the large Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The specific epithet glaucipes refers to the bluish-gray coloration of the legs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus glaucipes: //mɛˈlænoʊˌplʌs ˈɡlɔˌsaɪpiːz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The can be distinguished from other Melanoplus species by its distinctive glaucous (bluish-gray) leg coloration. As a spur-throat , it possesses a projection on the throat (), separating it from non-spur-throated grasshoppers. Specific identification requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with closely related species in the .
Images
Appearance
Medium-sized with characteristic spur-throated . The legs exhibit a glaucous (bluish-gray or pale greenish-gray) coloration, which gives the its . As a member of Melanoplus, it likely possesses the typical robust body form and enlarged hind adapted for jumping characteristic of the .
Distribution
North America; confirmed records from Texas. The occurs within the broader range of the Melanoplus, which is predominantly North American.
Similar Taxa
- Other Melanoplus speciesMany Melanoplus share similar body plans and coloration; M. glaucipes is distinguished primarily by its glaucous leg coloration
- Non-spur-throated grasshoppers (other Acrididae subfamilies)Lack the prosternal spine characteristic of Melanoplinae
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet glaucipes combines Latin glaucus (bluish-gray or gray-green) and pes (foot), referring to the distinctive leg coloration.
Taxonomic history
First described by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1875, a prominent American entomologist who described numerous North American Orthoptera.