Spharagemon cristatum
Scudder, 1875
Ridgeback Grasshopper, Ridgeback Sand Grasshopper
Spharagemon cristatum is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae. It is commonly known as the ridgeback or ridgeback sand grasshopper. The species is native to North America, with documented in the grasslands of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, eastern New Mexico, and southeastern Colorado. It is closely related to S. collare and S. bolli, sharing the characteristic elevated carina of the pronotum.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spharagemon cristatum: //sfəˈrædʒəmən krɪˈsteɪtəm//
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Identification
of Spharagemon cristatum can be distinguished from by their occurrence in specific grassland of the southern Great Plains. The shares the diagnostic elevated and deeply notched pronotal carina with S. collare and S. bolli. Adults of S. bolli are normally found in sunny meadows and openings of ponderosa pine woodlands, while S. cristatum occupies open grasslands. Nymphs are likely similar in appearance to those of S. collare—tan with profuse brown spotting, with the hind outer tan or gray and heavily spotted brown on chevron ridges.
Images
Habitat
Grasslands of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, eastern New Mexico, and southeastern Colorado. Specifically inhabits sandy soil environments within these grassland systems.
Distribution
North America: documented from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, eastern New Mexico, and southeastern Colorado. GBIF records also indicate presence in Georgia and northeastern Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Spharagemon collareShares elevated pronotal carina; distinguished by geographic separation and preference—S. collare occurs in sandy prairies of the northern Great Plains and sandhills, while S. cristatum is found in southern grasslands
- Spharagemon bolliShares elevated pronotal carina; distinguished by —S. bolli occurs in sunny meadows and ponderosa pine openings of montane woodlands, while S. cristatum inhabits open grasslands