Ellipes eisneri
Deyrup, 2005
Eisner's Pygmy Mole Cricket
Ellipes eisneri is a to Florida, described by Deyrup in 2005. Unlike most , which inhabit moist edges of ponds and streams, this has adapted to xeric scrub and sandhill in sandy uplands. It has a restricted geographic range and has not been found co-occurring with its close relative Ellipes deyrupi, despite both species sharing convergent ecological habits. The species is poorly studied and difficult to collect due to its small size.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ellipes eisneri: //ˈɛlɪpiːz ˈaɪsnɛri//
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Habitat
Xeric scrub and sandhill in sandy uplands of Florida. This represents an ecological shift from the typical pond and stream edge habitats of most .
Distribution
to Florida. Known from the Northern Brooksville Ridge, with a restricted geographic range. New records have extended its known distribution beyond original locality.
Human Relevance
implications have been discussed due to its restricted geographic range, limited distribution, and lack of study. The is difficult to collect and remains poorly known.
Similar Taxa
- Ellipes deyrupiClosely related congeneric with convergent habits in xeric scrub ; the two species have not been found co-occurring despite occupying similar .
- Neotridactylus archboldi scrub with which Ellipes deyrupi co-occurs; Ellipes eisneri shares convergent ecological habits with this .
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'eisneri' honors Thomas Eisner, following a tradition of 'vengeful ' referenced in related literature—Eisner had previously had a named after him and humorously threatened to name a after the describer in return.
Collection challenges
Like other scrub , this is tiny and difficult to collect, contributing to its limited recognition and study.