Spharagemon campestris
(McNeill, 1901)
Campestral Grasshopper, McNeill campestral grasshopper
Spharagemon campestris is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae, Oedipodinae. The was originally described as Trimerotropis campestris by McNeill in 1901 and later transferred to the Spharagemon. It is recorded from western North America including Wyoming and British Columbia. As a member of the Oedipodinae, it possesses enlarged hind adapted for jumping and typically exhibits banded wing patterns characteristic of this subfamily.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spharagemon campestris: /sfɑrəˈɡɛˌmɒn kæmˈpɛstrɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from by combination of morphological features typical of Spharagemon. Historical confusion with Trimerotropis reflected in original description; separation from Trimerotropis campestris (now Spharagemon campestris) requires examination of male genitalia and pronotal structure. The species can be separated from Spharagemon collare (mottled sand grasshopper) and Spharagemon equale (Say's grasshopper) by specific wing banding patterns and body proportions, though precise diagnostic characters require examination.
Habitat
Associated with open, dry typical of western North American grasslands. Specific microhabitat preferences have not been documented in detail.
Distribution
Recorded from Wyoming and British Columbia. Distribution within North America appears restricted to western regions, though precise range boundaries are poorly documented.
Similar Taxa
- Trimerotropis campestrisJunior synonym; same originally described under this combination before transfer to Spharagemon
- Spharagemon collareCongeneric with overlapping western North American distribution; distinguished by wing pattern and pronotal
- Spharagemon equaleCongeneric with similar preferences; requires genitalic examination for definitive separation
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Trimerotropis campestris McNeill, 1901, this was subsequently transferred to Spharagemon based on morphological revision. The epithet 'campestris' (Latin: of the fields) refers to its grassland association. The species is listed in the Grasshoppers of Colorado compilation but without detailed biological account, suggesting it is either rare in that state or poorly known biologically.