Melanoplus lakinus
(Scudder, 1878)
Lakin Grasshopper
Melanoplus lakinus is a of spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae, originally described by Scudder in 1878 under the name Pezotettix lakinus. It is commonly known as the Lakin and is found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The species belongs to the large Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus lakinus: /mɛˈlænoʊpləs lɑˈkaɪnəs/
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Identification
As a member of the spur-throated grasshopper group, M. lakinus possesses a small spine or on the between the front legs. Identification to level requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with other Melanoplus species in the western United States and Mexico.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid grasslands and shrublands of western North America.
Distribution
Recorded from Colorado (United States) and northeastern and northwestern Mexico.