Melanoplus punctulatus

(Uhler, 1862)

pine tree spur-throat grasshopper, grizzly spur-throat grasshopper

Melanoplus punctulatus is a -throated in the , commonly known as the pine tree spur-throat grasshopper or grizzly spur-throat grasshopper. The is recognized for its habits, distinguishing it from many ground-dwelling grasshopper relatives. It occurs across North America with documented in the northeastern United States, Great Lakes region, and western Nebraska. Three are recognized: M. p. arboreus, M. p. griseus, and M. p. punctulatus.

Melanoplus punctulatus mating 2013 10-02 IMG 2381 (3) by Futureman1199. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Melanoplus punctulatus mating 2013 10-02 IMG 2377 (3) by Futureman1199. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Melanoplus punctulatus mating 2013 10-02 IMG 2379 (3) by Futureman1199. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melanoplus punctulatus: /mɛˈlænoʊpləs pʌŋkˈtjuːlætəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

; associated with pine trees and woodland environments. The "pine tree -throat " and epithet "arboreus" indicate habits that differentiate this from ground-dwelling Melanoplus species.

Distribution

North America. Documented records include: Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario (Canada), and western Nebraska (new records published 2020).

Behavior

habits; has been observed in trees rather than on ground vegetation. Behavioral notes are documented in entomological literature but specific details were not accessible in provided sources.

Similar Taxa

Other Melanoplus speciesMost Melanoplus are ground-dwelling; M. punctulatus is distinguished by habits and association with pine trees.

More Details

Subspecies

Three recognized: Melanoplus punctulatus arboreus Scudder, 1897; Melanoplus punctulatus griseus (Thomas, 1872); Melanoplus punctulatus punctulatus (Scudder, 1863).

Taxonomic note

Authority sometimes cited as Scudder, 1863 (as Caloptenus punctulatus) or Uhler, 1862; accepted authority in Catalogue of Life is (Uhler, 1862).