Trimerotropis
Stål, 1873
band-winged grasshoppers
Species Guides
46- Trimerotropis agrestis(toothed field grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis albescens(McNeill's White Grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis arenacea(Rehn's dune grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis arizonensis(Colorado River blue-wing grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis bernardi(San Bernardino grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis bifasciata(Two-banded Grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis californica(strenuous grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis cincta(Masked Grasshopper)
- Trimerotropis cyaneipennis(blue-winged grasshopper)
Trimerotropis is a of band-winged grasshoppers in the Oedipodinae, Acrididae. The genus contains at least 50 described distributed primarily in western North America, with some species extending into South America. Members are characterized by their cryptic coloration when at rest and often brightly colored hind wings used in . Several species are associated with rocky , barren ground, or desert environments.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trimerotropis: /traɪmɛroʊˈtroʊpɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
in this can be distinguished from other Oedipodinae by the combination of narrow, cryptically colored tegmina that fold to conceal the hind wings at rest, and hind wings that are often brightly colored—blue, yellow, or greenish—visible only in . The genus is part of the tribe Trimerotropini. Specific identification to species level requires examination of wing coloration, body size, and genitalic structures. Some species pairs, such as Trimerotropis cyaneipennis and T. fratercula, are distinguished primarily by hind wing color (blue versus yellow-green) and geographic range.
Images
Habitat
vary by but commonly include rocky terrain, gravel roads, volcanic soils, barren ground, desert environments, and mountainous areas. Trimerotropis cyaneipennis occurs in rugged, mountainous terrain and canyons at elevations between 3,000 and 8,500 feet, favoring oak, pinyon-juniper, or pine forests. Trimerotropis saxatilis is associated with rock outcrops and has a fragmented distribution pattern. Several species occupy recently disturbed habitats.
Distribution
Western North America from southeast Washington, Idaho, eastern Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, southwest Colorado, Arizona, western New Mexico, and extreme west Texas, with some ranging just across the Mexican border. Some species extend into southern South America. Distribution records include British Columbia, Arizona, California, and the northwestern United States.
Life Cycle
Trimerotropis pallidipennis has been observed in laboratory and insectary conditions, with observations documented under controlled settings. General developmental pattern follows typical progression through , nymph, and stages, with specific timing varying by and environmental conditions.
Behavior
Trimerotropis pallidipennis exhibits temperature-dependent behavioral changes. Trimerotropis agrestis has documented communication . Members of the produce a crackling sound in called , generated when hind wing rub against the underside of the tegmina; this sound can be produced at will, allowing silent flight. When at rest, individuals are highly cryptic and difficult to detect even when their location is known. Some individuals walk short distances after landing to enhance concealment. Trimerotropis saxatilis shows limited within- movement and occurs in fragmented .
Human Relevance
Not considered agricultural or rangeland pests. Described as wilderness grasshoppers that do not consume crops or forage. Not subject to pest management efforts.
Similar Taxa
- SpharagemonAlso in Oedipodinae with banded wings; distinguished by different pronotal shape and wing venation patterns
- CircotettixAnother Oedipodinae with banded wings; differs in body proportions and preferences
- Trimerotropis fraterculaSister to T. cyaneipennis, distinguished primarily by yellow to greenish-yellow hind wings versus blue in T. cyaneipennis, with overlapping ranges in southeast Wyoming, central Colorado, and eastern New Mexico
More Details
Hybridization
Apparent hybridization has been documented between Trimerotropis agrestis and Trimerotropis maritima in recently disturbed .
Chromosome polymorphism
Trimerotropis pallidipennis exhibits clinal distribution of with associated phylogeographic patterns documented through mitochondrial studies.
Population structure
Trimerotropis saxatilis has been studied for energetics and shows characteristics of a fragmented distribution with limited movement between .
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Species Records and Accounts
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Bug Eric: Blue-winged Grasshopper
- Apparent Hybridization Between Trimerotropis agrestis and Trimerotropis maritima (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in a Recently Disturbed Habitat
- Effects of Temperature on Behavior of Trimerotropis pallidipennis (Orthoptera, Acrididae)
- Population Energetics and Ecology of the Rock Grasshopper, Trimerotropis Saxatilis
- Observations on the Life History of the Desert Grasshopper (Trimerotropis pallidipennis pallidipennis) in Laboratory and Insectary Cages1
- Population sizes and within-deme movement of Trimerotropis saxatilis (Acrididae), a grasshopper with a fragmented distribution
- Mitochondrial DNA and phylogeography of the grasshopper Trimerotropis pallidipennis in relation to clinal distribution of chromosome polymorphisms
- The behavioural ecology of desert grasshoppers II. Communication in Trimerotropis agrestis
- Mitochondrial DNA and phylogeography of the grasshopper Trimerotropis pallidipennis in relation to clinal distribution of chromosome polymorphisms