Booneacris
Booneacris
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Caelifera
- Family: Acrididae
- Subfamily: Melanoplinae
- Tribe: Podismini
- Genus: Booneacris
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Booneacris: //ˌbuːniˈækrɪs//
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Images
Summary
Booneacris is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers that includes at least four described species, all of which are wingless and found in North America. They are characterized by the presence of tympana and a slender build, showing close relationships to other related grasshopper genera.
Physical Characteristics
Moderately slender, average-sized, wingless spur-throat grasshoppers with tympana present. Similar to other grasshopper genera, but they are distinguished by their lack of wings and the specific morphology of their cerci.
Identification Tips
Look for wingless morphology, presence of tympana, and slender body structure. Closely related species may have distinct differences in body coloration or structure of cerci and supra-anal plate.
Habitat
North American grasslands and mountainous regions, particularly in areas with vegetation suitable for grasshoppers.
Distribution
Primarily North America, specifically regions from Alberta and Montana to California and Oregon.
Diet
Herbivorous, feeding on grasses and other herbaceous plants.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages, with development depending on environmental conditions.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs through mating, leading to the production of eggs that are typically laid in soil or vegetation.
Predators
Birds, small mammals, and other predatory insects.
Ecosystem Role
Serves as a herbivore in its habitat, contributing to plant population control and serving as food for various predators.
Economic Impact
Potential agricultural pest due to their feeding habits, but specific economic impacts are not detailed.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep nets
- Hand collecting
- Light traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinned specimens
- Harvard style mounting
Evolution
The genus has evolved from ancestors in the family Acrididae, adapting to a wingless existence in their ecological niche.
Misconceptions
Often confused with winged grasshoppers or other similar genera due to morphological similarities.
Tags
- grasshopper
- Booneacris
- orthoptera
- Acrididae
- insect
- North America