Lactista
Saussure, 1884
Species Guides
3- Lactista azteca(Aztec grasshopper)
- Lactista elota
- Lactista gibbosa
Lactista is a of band-winged grasshoppers in the Acrididae, established by Saussure in 1884. The genus comprises approximately 10 described distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. These grasshoppers are characterized by their colorful hindwings, which are typically yellow with black bands and concealed beneath mottled forewings when at rest. They inhabit arid and semi-arid environments including desert washes, rangeland, and grassland .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lactista: /lɑkˈtɪstə/
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Identification
Lactista can be distinguished from other band-winged grasshoppers ( Oedipodinae) by specific wing patterns and body markings. L. azteca is identified by a single dark bar across the forewing, matched by a corresponding bar on the of the hind leg. The yellow hindwing with black band differs from the pale hindwing with broad black band seen in Trimerotropis pallidipennis. Accurate species identification within the requires examination of male genitalia and detailed wing venation patterns.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including desert washes (arroyos), overgrazed rangeland, grasslands, and open scrubland. Some occupy disturbed such as unpaved parking lots and vacant lots in urbanized areas. Vegetation is typically sparse, consisting of grasses and low-growing forbs.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Texas), Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. The shows a distribution pattern centered on the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert regions, extending southward through the Mexican plateau and into Central America.
Seasonality
Active during spring and summer months in temperate portions of the range; likely year-round in tropical regions. have been observed in Tucson, Arizona in April.
Behavior
consists of short, low flights followed by settling. When disturbed, individuals fly briefly to relocate, then conceal their bright hindwings and become cryptic against the substrate. This flight pattern differs from the long-distance migratory flights seen in some locust .
Ecological Role
Primary consumers in arid grassland and desert . Serve as prey for spiders, birds, lizards, and other . fluctuations may influence vegetation dynamics and food availability.
Human Relevance
No significant agricultural pest status has been documented. Some may occur in urban and suburban environments where they can be observed by naturalists. No economic importance established.
Similar Taxa
- TrimerotropisAlso band-winged grasshoppers with concealed colorful hindwings, but Lactista are generally smaller and have yellow rather than pale hindwings
- CibolacrisFormerly classified in Oedipodinae but now placed in Gomphocerinae; lacks the bright yellow hindwings with black band characteristic of Lactista
- HeliastusAnother of desert band-winged grasshoppers with similar preferences; -level characters required for definitive separation
More Details
Taxonomic History
The Lactista was established by Henri Louis Frédéric de Saussure in 1884. The type and generic concept have remained stable, though species-level has been refined through works by Rehn, Hebard, Otte, and Bland.
Etymology
The derivation of the name Lactista is not clearly documented in available sources; it may relate to the milky or pale appearance of some , though this remains speculative.