Cnemotettix caudulus
Rentz & Weissman, 1973
Cnemotettix caudulus is a of and king crickets in the Anostostomatidae. It was described by Rentz and Weissman in 1973. The species is known from California and is one of the few members of this primarily Southern Hemisphere family occurring in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cnemotettix caudulus: //ˌniːmoʊˈtɛtɪks ˈkɔːdjʊləs//
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Identification
Cnemotettix caudulus can be distinguished from other North American orthopterans by its placement in Anostostomatidae, a characterized by large size, robust bodies, and spiny legs. Within the Cnemotettix, identification to level requires examination of male genitalia and specific features of the terminal abdominal structures referenced in the species epithet 'caudulus' (diminutive tail).
Distribution
Known from California, United States. It represents a disjunct North American occurrence of a predominantly distributed in the Southern Hemisphere.
Similar Taxa
- Stenopelmatus spp. (Jerusalem crickets)Also in and share large, robust body form. Distinguished by different placement (Stenopelmatidae) and geographic distribution patterns.
- Gryllus spp. (field crickets)Superficially similar in general body plan but belong to Gryllidae, with different wing venation, stridulatory apparatus, and body proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic significance
Cnemotettix caudulus is notable as one of the few anostostomatid occurring in North America, with most members restricted to New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, South Africa, and Central/South America. This disjunct distribution pattern has biogeographic implications for understanding the evolutionary history of the family.