Arphia saussureana

Bruner, 1889

California red-winged grasshopper

Arphia saussureana, the California red-winged grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae. The is native to North America and has been recorded in California. It belongs to the Arphia, which includes approximately 16 species of rangeland grasshoppers primarily distributed in western North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Arphia saussureana: /ˈɑːrfɪə sɔːˌsʊəriˈæna/

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Identification

As a member of the Arphia, this likely shares diagnostic traits with including long wings extending beyond the and banded hindwings. Within Arphia, it may be distinguished from the widespread red-winged grasshopper (Arphia pseudonietana) and specklewinged (Arphia conspersa) by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences, though specific diagnostic features for A. saussureana require direct examination.

Distribution

Recorded from California and North America generally. The precise range boundaries within North America are not well documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Arphia pseudonietanaSimilar wide western distribution and red hindwing coloration; present in late summer and fall rather than spring
  • Arphia conspersaCongeneric band-winged grasshopper with overlapping range; distinguished by speckled tegmina and seasonal activity patterns
  • Arphia simplexAnother member of the same with potential range overlap in western North America

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'saussureana' honors the Swiss entomologist Henri Louis Frédéric de Saussure, who made significant contributions to orthopteran in the 19th century.

Sources and further reading