Leprus

Saussure, 1861

blue-winged grasshoppers

Leprus is a of -winged in the , commonly known as -winged grasshoppers. The genus contains at least three described : L. elephas, L. intermedius (Saussure's blue-winged grasshopper), and L. wheelerii (Wheeler's blue-winged grasshopper). These grasshoppers are notable for their distinctive blue or , which are concealed at rest but revealed during . They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, particularly the Chihuahuan Desert.

Leprus wheelerii by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Leprus intermedius by (c) Bill Levine, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bill Levine. Used under a CC-BY license.

Leprus intermedius P1310534a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leprus: //ˈlɛp.rəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Leprus can be distinguished from other -winged by their large size, body, and striking coloration— in L. intermedius and L. wheelerii, with L. wheelerii showing - in some . The hindwings are typically concealed beneath that match the ground coloration. L. intermedius and L. wheelerii are particularly similar and may require examination of male or geographic location for definitive identification.

Images

Habitat

Arid and semi-arid environments including desert grasslands, scrublands, and juniper-oak-pinyon woodlands. Specific records include alkaline flats, gypsum slopes, creosote bush-dominated bajadas, and sandy loam grasslands. Elevations range from approximately 1,400 m in desert basins to higher elevations in woodland transition zones.

Distribution

Western North America: documented from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Mexico. The is particularly associated with the Chihuahuan Desert, with L. wheelerii being the most common in that region. L. intermedius has been recorded in Colorado and New Mexico.

Seasonality

are active primarily in late summer and fall. L. wheelerii shows spring in the Chihuahuan Desert, with peak activity continuing through summer and into early autumn. have been observed in September.

Diet

L. wheelerii feeds primarily on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata).

Life Cycle

with spring . develop through summer, reaching adulthood by late summer or fall. L. wheelerii exhibits - in some , possibly serving thermoregulatory and functions.

Behavior

When disturbed, individuals reveal brightly colored during , then settle and quickly conceal the again. This flash coloration likely serves to startle . L. wheelerii can undergo , potentially becoming agricultural pests when is exceeded.

Ecological Role

Contributes significantly to regional and . Facilitates breakdown of nutrients and stimulates growth through interactions between acids and plant . Serves as for various including , birds, and reptiles. by (, bacteria, nematodes) helps prevent agricultural devastation.

Human Relevance

L. wheelerii can become an agricultural pest when exceed regional . The has been studied for - relationships, particularly involving bacteria and Eutrombidium locustarum . and document for surveys and ecological research.

Similar Taxa

HippiscusAlso in tribe Hippiscini with banded , but differs in body proportions and coloration patterns
TrimerotropisOverlapping distribution and -winged , but Trimerotropis typically have different band patterns and lack the distinctive of Leprus

More Details

Parasite Associations

L. wheelerii pipientis (endosymbiont with 46.8% rate) and Eutrombidium locustarum (18% infection rate). Mites attach to , , neck, and legs, ingesting . Evidence exists for both vertical and horizontal Wolbachia transfer in this system.

Wing Dimorphism

A Luna County, New Mexico of L. wheelerii exhibits - alongside the typical -winged form. The yellow may provide thermoregulatory advantages and homochromy (background matching) with yellow-tan desert soils.