Netrosoma nigropleura

May be distinguished from congeneric species by the black pleura indicated by its specific epithet. Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with type specimens. Similar to other Netrosoma species in general body form; separation from N. electum and other sympatric species depends on subtle morphological differences in pronotal shape and genitalic structure.

Aridland scrub and desert environments. Has been observed in association with Sotol (Dasylirion) and other desert plants that provide shade during extreme heat. Inferred to occupy rocky desert terrain with sparse vegetation based on documented behavior of congeneric species in shared habitats.

Northeastern Mexico. Precise range boundaries are poorly documented due to limited collection effort and taxonomic confusion within the genus.

Has been observed seeking shade beneath leaves of desert plants during midday heat, clustering on undersides of foliage. This behavior has been documented in mixed aggregations with Agroecotettix species and Phaulotettix. Likely flightless or weakly flying based on genus-level characteristics and association with other flightless desert grasshoppers.

• Netrosoma electumOverlapping distribution in Mexico; distinguished by subtle differences in pronotal morphology and male genitalia structure.
• Agroecotettix speciesShares habitat and behavioral traits including diurnal shelter-seeking on desert plants; distinguished by different body proportions and genitalic morphology.
• Phaulotettix speciesFound in mixed aggregations in Big Bend region; distinguished by different body form and taxonomic placement in different genus.

• grasshopper
• desert
• flightless
• Mexico
• Melanoplinae

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Grasshoppers of Aridland Scrub in the United States and Mexico