Melanoplus scudderi

(Uhler, 1864)

Scudder's short-wing grasshopper

Melanoplus scudderi is a short-winged, flightless in the spur-throated grasshopper group ( Melanoplinae). The was historically considered part of a complex, but genomic studies have validated its status as a distinct species within a Pleistocene radiation of more than 20 morphologically defined species. It is and found in North American grasslands.

Melanoplus scudderi by no rights reserved, uploaded by Reuven Martin. Used under a CC0 license.Scudder's Short-winged Grasshoppers - Melanoplus scudderi, Meadowood Farm SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia (37734239644) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melanoplus scudderi: /mɛˈlænoʊplʌs ˈskʌdəri/

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Identification

Short-winged grasshopper with reduced wings rendering it flightless; males possess distinctive genitalic structures that differ from related in the M. scudderi complex. M. s. scudderi has been studied for reproductive traits including number variation. Distinguished from sympatric Melanoplus species by male genitalic , though this trait shows evolutionary lability.

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Habitat

Grassland , particularly tallgrass prairie and mixedgrass prairie. Associated with grassland that experienced habitat fragmentation during the Late Pleistocene, which likely drove the rapid diversification of the .

Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from Illinois and grassland regions east of the Rocky Mountains. The as a whole shows extensive geographic range across North American grasslands.

Life Cycle

(one per year). undergo over winter. Nymphal development occurs through summer with present from late July through October based on studies of related .

Behavior

Flightless due to short wings; limited ability. When disturbed, individuals may jump short distances between vegetation. congregate in suitable patches.

Ecological Role

Member of forb-feeding in tallgrass and mixedgrass prairie . In Kansas tallgrass prairie studies, ranked as a numerically important forb-feeder.

Similar Taxa

  • Melanoplus femurrubrumSympatric in eastern North American grasslands; both are spur-throated grasshoppers, but distinguished by male genitalic and wing length
  • Other Melanoplus scudderi complex speciesMore than 20 morphologically defined in this Pleistocene radiation; distinguished primarily by male genitalic shape, though this trait is evolutionarily labile and not predicted by

Sources and further reading