Bradynotes
Scudder, 1880
Slow Mountain Grasshoppers, Mountain Lubber Grasshoppers
Species Guides
1- Bradynotes obesa(Slow Mountain Grasshopper)
Bradynotes is a of spur-throated grasshoppers in the Acrididae, containing at least one described , B. obesa. The genus is characterized by flightless lacking wings or wing pads. Bradynotes obesa is commonly known as the slow mountain or mountain . The genus occurs in western North America, with records from the western United States and northwestern Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bradynotes: /ˌbrædɪˈnoʊtiːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Bradynotes is distinguished from other Melanoplinae by the complete absence of wings or wing pads in , a trait unique among spur-throated grasshoppers in its range. This flightless condition separates it from all other in the Podismini tribe and most other Melanoplinae, which typically possess well-developed wings or at least wing pads.
Images
Habitat
High-elevation mountain meadows and subalpine zones. Associated with moist grassland in mountainous regions.
Distribution
Western United States (California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming) and northwestern Mexico. Records indicate occurrence in the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, and associated mountain ranges.
Seasonality
Very early spring-hatching . present from late spring through early summer, with activity declining by mid-July in surveyed areas.
Life Cycle
Overwinters as . Hatches in early spring, making it one of the earliest-emerging in its range. mature by late spring.
Behavior
Flightless; are incapable of aerial . Slow movement relative to winged grasshoppers, consistent with . Tends to be underrepresented in standard sweep-net surveys due to early seasonality and ground-dwelling habits.
Human Relevance
No significant pest potential; not considered economically damaging to rangelands or crops. Underrepresented in agricultural pest surveys due to early and flightless .
Similar Taxa
- Other Melanoplinae generaAll other spur-throated grasshoppers in the region possess wings or wing pads; Bradynotes is uniquely flightless.
More Details
Taxonomic status
The contains six recognized of B. obesa: B. o. caurus, B. o. deplanata, B. o. kaibab, B. o. obesa, B. o. opima, and B. o. referta.
Survey limitations
Bradynotes obesa is explicitly noted as underrepresented in the Wyoming Information System database due to its very early spring hatching and before standard survey periods (July 10-August 20). Most records come from 'special collections' rather than systematic surveys.