Leuronotina ritensis
(Rehn, 1911)
lichen grasshopper
Leuronotina ritensis is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae, tribe Arphiini. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where it inhabits lichen-encrusted rock outcroppings. The exhibits remarkable cryptic coloration that closely matches the crustose lichens of its , making it exceptionally difficult to detect when stationary.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leuronotina ritensis: /ˌlɛʊrəˈnoʊtɪnə raɪˈtɛnsɪs/
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Identification
Leuronotina ritensis is recognized by its extraordinary lichen-mimicking coloration, typically featuring mottled blue-green, gray, and black patterns that match crustose lichens. The possesses banded wings characteristic of the Oedipodinae. It is the only member of the Leuronotina occurring in the region, which aids in identification. Individuals show color variation, with some exhibiting more brownish tones with contrasting dark bands and orange .
Habitat
Lichen-encrusted rock outcroppings, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The is specifically associated with where crustose lichens grow abundantly on exposed rock surfaces.
Distribution
Southwestern United States; specifically recorded from Arizona.
Behavior
When approached, individuals make short escape . When stationary, they are nearly impossible to detect due to their precise color and pattern matching of lichen substrates.
Similar Taxa
- Trimerotropis saxatilisBoth are lichen-mimicking grasshoppers with similar cryptic coloration and preferences on lichen-encrusted rocks, but T. saxatilis occurs in the eastern United States (Ozark Highlands) while L. ritensis is restricted to the Southwest.
- Trimerotropis latifasciataBoth exhibit lichen-matching , but T. latifasciata occurs on clay exposures in the Great Plains, has longer wings, and possesses a red hind tibia not seen in L. ritensis.