Dissosteira spurcata

Saussure, 1884

spurcate grasshopper, pale-winged grasshopper

Dissosteira spurcata is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae, commonly known as the spurcate or pale-winged grasshopper. It belongs to a characterized by a high pronotal crest deeply cut by one , slender body form, and medium to large size. The is found in western North America, with records from California and probable occurrence in extreme western Wyoming. It is listed among species of the early hatching group, with nymphs emerging in mid-spring.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dissosteira spurcata: //ˌdɪsɒsˈtaɪrə spɜːrˈkeɪtə//

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Identification

of Dissosteira spurcata can be distinguished from by hindwing coloration and tegmina pattern. Related California include Dissosteira pictipennis and Dissosteira longipennis. As a member of the Oedipodinae (band-winged grasshoppers), it possesses enlarged hindwings for . Nymphs can be identified by diagnostic characters typical of band-winged grasshoppers: height of the carina of the pronotum and number of ; position and length of the lateral carinae; color patterns of the hindlegs; variations in dark bands on the and pronotum; and shape of the foveolae.

Images

Habitat

Inhabits grassland of western North America. Listed among found in grassland and cold desert shrub . Associated with rangeland vegetation in western states.

Distribution

Recorded from California; probable occurrence in extreme western Wyoming. North American distribution in western grasslands.

Seasonality

Early hatching group, with hatching in mid-spring. Nymphal development occurs through spring and early summer, with present in summer months.

Life Cycle

overwinter in soil. Hatching occurs in mid-spring. Nymphs pass through multiple instars (typically five in related Dissosteira ) before reaching adulthood. reproduce in summer, with females depositing egg pods into soil.

Behavior

As a band-winged grasshopper, are capable of strong . Related in the Dissosteira are known for (snapping of hindwings in flight) as a form of . Specific behavioral observations for D. spurcata are limited in available sources.

Ecological Role

Functions as a member of rangeland . Like other grass-feeding or mixed-feeding grasshoppers, it contributes to nutrient cycling and serves as prey for vertebrate and . Specific ecological impact studies for this are not documented in available sources.

Human Relevance

Not among the primary economic pest of western rangelands. Not listed as a serious or occasional pest in Wyoming management assessments. Potential occurrence in extreme western Wyoming suggests it may be encountered in regional biodiversity surveys.

Similar Taxa

Dissosteira pictipennisCongeneric band-winged grasshopper with similar body plan and preferences; distinguished by hindwing and tegmina coloration patterns
Dissosteira longipennisCongeneric with similar ; known from eastern Wyoming and western grasslands; distinguished by wing patterns and distribution
Dissosteira carolinaLarger congeneric (Carolina grasshopper) with black hindwings and yellow margin; more widespread and commonly encountered

More Details

Taxonomic note

Dissosteira spurcata was described by Saussure in 1884. The Dissosteira is characterized by a high pronotal crest deeply cut by one , slender body, and medium to large size.

Data gaps

Detailed biological studies of D. spurcata exist in the literature (e.g., Hilgardia 30(14):395) but specific content on , diet, and reproductive was not accessible in the provided source material. Most information is inferred from -level characteristics and related .