Circotettix

Circotettix

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Circotettix: /ˌsɜːrkoʊˈtɛtɪks/

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

Images

Circotettix maculatus by KW. Used under a CC0 license.
Circotettix undulatus by Scott Loarie. Used under a CC0 license.
CARLINIAN SNAPPER (Circotettix carlinianus) (3-4-14) bill williams nat w r, near parker dam, la paz co, az (13086494814) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.
Circotettix rabula P1310202a by 
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Circotettix shastanus 489880 by Justin. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Circotettix shastanus 426679 by Justin. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Circotettix is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising about 9 described species, known for their loud buzzing sounds and certain wing characteristics.

Physical Characteristics

Most species have very wide tegmina that do not narrow noticeably or may even widen toward the end. The hind wings are exceptionally wide, with an undulate outer margin and a somewhat elongated apex into a short lobe. C. maculatus has blackish wings and produces a buzzing crepitation.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from Trimerotropis by the shape of wings and strongly thickened annal veins of hind wings. C. maculatus is recognizable by its buzzing crepitation and distinctive coloration.

Habitat

Exposed rocky or eroded areas, usually sloping, and often steeply sloping.

Distribution

Primarily in western North America, specifically in the United States, with some occurrence in southern western Canada and possibly northernmost Mexico.

Diet

Herbivorous; typical diet includes various grasses and herbaceous plants.

Life Cycle

All species overwinter as eggs, with adults most common in summer into autumn.

Reproduction

Reproduction details are not extensively documented, but generally involve oviposition in soil or plant material.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a herbivore in its ecosystem, potentially influencing plant community dynamics and serving as prey for various predators.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Drying
  • Pinning
  • Freezing

Evolution

Circotettix is closely related to Trimerotropis; taxonomic revisions may transfer some species from Trimerotropis to Circotettix based on future cytological and molecular studies.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

C. maculatus is often misidentified based on similar wing traits but is distinguished by its sound and coloration.

Tags

  • grasshopper
  • Circotettix
  • Acrididae
  • North America
  • band-winged