Netrosoma
Scudder, 1897
Species Guides
2- Netrosoma fusiformis(Fusiform camel cricket)
- Netrosoma nigropleura(Black-striped Desert Grasshopper)
Netrosoma is a of grasshoppers in the Acrididae, Melanoplinae, first described by Scudder in 1897. in this genus are flightless and inhabit aridland scrub environments, particularly in desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are often found sheltering beneath vegetation during extreme heat. The genus has been documented roosting on Sotol (Dasylirion) leaves alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers such as Agroecotettix and Phaulotettix.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Netrosoma: /nɛˈtrɒsoʊmə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Netrosoma can be distinguished from similar flightless desert grasshoppers by its classification within the tribe Melanoplini. It occurs sympatrically with Agroecotettix and Phaulotettix in Big Bend region , though specific diagnostic morphological features for field identification are not detailed in available sources. As a , it requires examination of genitalic structures and other taxonomic characters for definitive -level identification.
Habitat
Aridland scrub and desert environments. Documented from the Big Bend region of Texas, where individuals shelter beneath Sotol (Dasylirion) leaves during extreme heat. Associated with mountainous areas of Texas and Mexico, as well as desert scrub vegetation.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Texas) and Mexico. Distribution records include Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, and Mexico Southwest.
Behavior
Flightless. Individuals have been observed roosting in of 40–50 individuals on the undersides of Sotol leaves during midday heat (113°F/45°C conditions), sheltering from intense sun exposure. This has been documented alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers.
Similar Taxa
- AgroecotettixCo-occurs in same ; both are flightless desert grasshoppers found roosting on Sotol leaves in Big Bend region. Agroecotettix is distinguished by association with thorny leguminous shrubs (Acacia, Vachella) as primary , whereas Netrosoma has been specifically documented sheltering beneath Sotol.
- PhaulotettixCo-occurs in same ; both are flightless desert grasshoppers observed roosting together on Sotol leaves during extreme heat in Big Bend region.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Netrosoma is placed in the tribe Melanoplini within Melanoplinae. The has been the subject of limited modern taxonomic revision compared to related genera such as Agroecotettix.
Field Collection
In the Big Bend region, Netrosoma has been collected by hand from Sotol leaves without use of nets, due to their sedentary roosting during extreme heat.