Chimarocephala elongata
Rentz, 1977
Rentz' Meadow Hopper
Chimarocephala elongata is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae, first described by Rentz in 1977. It is commonly known as Rentz' Meadow Hopper. The species belongs to the Oedipodinae and tribe Chortophagini. It has been documented in North America, with confirmed records from California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chimarocephala elongata: //ˌkɪməroʊˈsɛfələ eɪˌlɒŋˈɡeɪtə//
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Identification
As a member of the Oedipodinae (band-winged grasshoppers), C. elongata likely exhibits the 's characteristic expanded hind wings with dark bands, though specific diagnostic features for this are not documented in available sources. The Chimarocephala is distinguished within Chortophagini by morphological traits related to structure and pronotal shape. Positive identification requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with .
Habitat
Specific preferences for C. elongata are not documented. Related in the Chimarocephala and tribe Chortophagini are typically associated with grassland and meadow habitats.
Distribution
Confirmed records from California. Reported from North America broadly. GBIF distribution records indicate presence in California with broader North American distribution noted as present.
Similar Taxa
- Chimarocephala pacificaCongeneric in the same , likely sharing similar meadow/grassland preferences and general body plan. Differentiation requires detailed morphological examination.
- Other Oedipodinae speciesBand-winged grasshoppers share the characteristic expanded hind wings with dark bands. C. elongata can be distinguished by -level traits of and pronotal , and -level characters of male genitalia.
More Details
Nomenclature
The specific epithet 'elongata' and 'Rentz' Meadow Hopper' honor David C. Rentz, the entomologist who described the in 1977 and made significant contributions to orthopteran .
Taxonomic Placement
The tribe Chortophagini, to which this belongs, has undergone taxonomic revision. Some authorities have treated Chortophagini as a synonym of Hippiscini, though current classifications (Catalogue of Life, GBIF) maintain Chortophagini as valid.