Melanoplus rotundipennis
(Scudder, 1878)
Round-winged Grasshopper, round-winged spur-throat grasshopper, round-winged locust
Melanoplus rotundipennis is a of spur-throated grasshopper in the Acrididae, known by the round-winged . It is characterized by its rounded wing shape, a distinctive trait among Melanoplus species. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Florida and broader North American distribution. As a member of the Melanoplinae, it possesses the diagnostic spur on the surface of the pronotum typical of this group.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melanoplus rotundipennis: /mɛˌlænoʊˌplʌs roʊˌtʌndiˈpɛnɪs/
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 its rounded wing shape (rotundipennis = 'round-winged'), a morphological trait reflected in both its scientific and . As a spur-throated grasshopper, it possesses a small spine or spur on the between the front legs, a diagnostic feature of the Melanoplinae. Specific identification details beyond wing shape and subfamily characteristics are not well-documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America; documented from Florida with broader distribution across the continent.
Similar Taxa
- Melanoplus angustipennisSimilar congeneric with contrasting wing —narrow-winged versus round-winged in M. rotundipennis. Both share the spur-throated grasshopper characteristics of Melanoplinae.
- Other Melanoplus speciesMany share the spur-throated grasshopper ; M. rotundipennis is specifically distinguished by its rounded wing shape, which is atypical for the where most have more elongate or pointed wings.