Psychomastax
Rehn & Hebard, 1918
monkey grasshoppers
Species Guides
4- Psychomastax deserticola(Desert Monkey Grasshopper)
- Psychomastax inyo(White Mountain Grasshopper)
- Psychomastax psylla(San Jacinto monkey grasshopper)
- Psychomastax robusta(robust monkey grasshopper)
Psychomastax is a of monkey grasshoppers in the Eumastacidae, first described by Rehn and Hebard in 1918. The genus contains at least four described distributed in arid regions of the western United States, primarily California and Nevada. These grasshoppers are characterized by their distinctive typical of Eumastacidae, which are known for their jumping ability and often colorful appearance. The genus name reflects their placement within the Psychomastacini tribe.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psychomastax: /saɪkoʊˈmæstæks/
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Identification
Members of Psychomastax can be distinguished from other Eumastacidae by their placement within the tribe Psychomastacini. The four described show variation in body robustness and geographic distribution: P. deserticola and P. robusta share the deserticola/robusta species pair described by Hebard in 1934, while P. inyo is associated with the White Mountains and P. psylla with the San Jacinto Mountains. Specific morphological characters distinguishing the genus require examination of male genitalia and pronotal structure, typical for eumastacid .
Habitat
within this occupy arid and semi-arid environments. P. deserticola occurs in desert , P. inyo in the White Mountains of eastern California, and P. psylla in the San Jacinto Mountains of southern California. These locations suggest to rocky, scrub, or open montane environments with sparse vegetation.
Distribution
Western United States, specifically California and Nevada. Documented locations include desert regions of California (P. deserticola, P. robusta), the White Mountains in Inyo County (P. inyo), and the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County (P. psylla).
Similar Taxa
- Other Eumastacidae generaPsychomastax belongs to the tribe Psychomastacini, distinguishing it from in other tribes such as Eumastacini or Morseini. Closest relatives likely include other Psychomastacini genera, though these are not specified in available sources.
- Acrididae grasshoppersMonkey grasshoppers in Eumastacidae differ from the more familiar Acrididae (short-horned grasshoppers) in body proportions, often more slender build, and different structure. Eumastacidae also typically have reduced wing venation and different hind leg musculature.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Rehn and Hebard in 1918 with P. psylla as the type . Hebard added two species in 1934 (P. deserticola and P. robusta), and Rehn & Grant described P. inyo in 1959. The genus has remained stable with four species for over 60 years, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollection due to inaccessibility.