Hippopedon
Saussure, 1861
Species Guides
2- Hippopedon capito(Apache grasshopper)
- Hippopedon gracilipes(Rehn's slender grasshopper)
Hippopedon is a of band-winged grasshoppers in the Acrididae, established by Saussure in 1861. The genus contains at least three described : H. capito (Apache ), H. gracilipes (Rehn's slender grasshopper), and H. saltator. Species in this genus are characterized by banded or spotted tegmina and are found in western North America. H. capito is the best-documented species, with records from Colorado and surrounding regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hippopedon: //hɪpˈpɒpɪdɒn//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Hippopedon capito can be distinguished from similar large band-winged grasshoppers by the combination of: light-colored "V" pattern on tegmina; distinct dark bands or large spots on tegmina; and yellow hind tibiae (in contrast to Metator pardalinus, which has blue male and blue-grey female hind tibiae). The carina of the pronotum is very low on the metazona. H. capito may be confused with Heliaula rufa, but Heliaula lacks the light "V" and dark spots and typically has a grey-colored, disproportionately large .
Images
Distribution
Records exist from Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. H. capito is widespread in eastern Colorado.
Similar Taxa
- Metator pardalinusSimilar large size and light "V" on tegmina, but distinguished by blue (male) or blue-grey (female) hind tibiae versus yellow in Hippopedon capito
- Heliaula rufaMay key to same point in identification; lacks light "V" and dark spots on tegmina, and has grey disproportionately large
More Details
Taxonomic placement
Hippopedon belongs to tribe Psinidiini within Oedipodinae (band-winged grasshoppers)
Species included
Three described : Hippopedon capito (Stål, 1873), H. gracilipes (Caudell, 1905), and H. saltator Saussure, 1861