Machaerocera mexicana
Saussure, 1859
Machaerocera mexicana is the sole in the Machaerocera, a group of band-winged grasshoppers in the Acrididae. The species is notable for being within its genus. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning southwestern North America through Central America and into South America. As a member of the Oedipodinae , it belongs to a diverse group of grasshoppers commonly known as band-winged grasshoppers, many of which are associated with open, arid .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Machaerocera mexicana: //mæˌkɛroʊˈsɪərə ˌmɛksɪˈkeɪnə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Based on the distribution records and its placement within the Oedipodinae (band-winged grasshoppers), this is associated with open, dry typical of this . The subfamily Oedipodinae is broadly characterized by species inhabiting grasslands, prairies, and arid open areas. However, specific microhabitat preferences for M. mexicana have not been documented in the available sources.
Distribution
Recorded from Mexico (including central and northeastern regions), the southwestern United States (Arizona), Guatemala, and El Salvador. The also occurs in Central and South America, though specific countries beyond those with documented records are not detailed in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Machaerocera is a ; M. mexicana is the only described . The genus is classified in the tribe Machaerocerini within the Oedipodinae.
Observation frequency
The has been documented in 926 observations on iNaturalist, suggesting it is not uncommon within its range, though this may reflect observer effort rather than true abundance.