Trimerotropis latifasciata
Scudder, 1880
broad-banded grasshopper
Trimerotropis latifasciata, the broad-banded , is a band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with documented records from Arizona, Texas, Utah, and northeastern Mexico. The is notable for its cryptic coloration that blends with lichen-encrusted clay substrates, making it exceptionally difficult to detect.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trimerotropis latifasciata: /ˌtraɪmɛrˈoʊtrəpɪs ˌlætɪˌfæʃiˈɑtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the similar Trimerotropis saxatilis (lichen grasshopper) by longer wings, red hind tibia, and occurrence on clay substrates rather than rock or sand. The ' more greenish T. saxatilis occupies different microhabitats. Location in the Great Plains region supports identification.
Images
Habitat
Occupies lichen-encrusted clay exposures, particularly on flat-topped mesas and similar geological formations. Associated with open, arid to semi-arid environments where clay substrates support lichen growth.
Distribution
Southwestern United States and Mexico. Documented from Arizona, Texas, Utah, and northeastern Mexico (Mexico Northeast region).
Behavior
and nymphs rely on —coloration and pattern matching substrate—to avoid detection. Remains motionless, blending with lichen-encrusted clay surfaces.
Ecological Role
Serves as an example of substrate-specific in grasshoppers, demonstrating specialized to microhabitat conditions.
Similar Taxa
- Trimerotropis saxatilisSimilar cryptic lichen-matching appearance, but distinguishable by shorter wings, different substrate preference (rock vs. clay), and more greenish coloration in some
More Details
Taxonomic authority
First described by Scudder in 1880
Etymology
Specific epithet 'latifasciata' refers to the broad bands on the wings