Paraidemona
Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893
mimic grasshopper
Paraidemona is a of -throated in the , established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1893. The genus contains approximately nine described distributed primarily in North America. One species, P. mimica, is commonly known as the mimic grasshopper. Members of this genus have been documented as for the Prionyx thomae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paraidemona: /ˌpærəɪdɪˈmoʊnə/
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Identification
As a -level , specific identification criteria require -level examination. The genus belongs to the -throated group, characterized by a peg-like projection on the surface of the between the legs. Species-level identification relies on morphological features such as shape, pronotal structure, and male .
Distribution
North America, with documented records from the southwestern United States (Texas) and Mexico. The appears to have its center of distribution in arid and semi-arid regions of the southern United States and northern Mexico.
Ecological Role
for . Paraidemona have been recorded as for Prionyx thomae, a wasp that paralyzes and provisions underground nests with them.
Similar Taxa
- MelanoplusBoth are -throated in Melanoplinae; Paraidemona can be distinguished by -specific genitalic and
- DactylotumBoth belong to tribe Dactylotini; Paraidemona lacks the vivid aposematic coloration characteristic of Dactylotum
More Details
Known species
Nine described : P. cohni, P. fratercula, P. latifurcula, P. mimica, P. nudus, P. nuttingi, P. olsoni, P. , and P. ruvalcabae
Predator documentation
P. mimica and other Paraidemona explicitly listed as for Prionyx thomae in field observations from Arizona