Macrobaenetes kelsoensis
Tinkham, 1962
Kelso Giant Sand Treader Cricket
Macrobaenetes kelsoensis is a of camel cricket to California's Mojave Desert. It is known only from San Bernardino County and is one of several sand treader crickets in the Macrobaenetes, specialized for life in sandy desert environments. The species was described in 1962 by Tinkham.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macrobaenetes kelsoensis: /ˌmækrəˈbeɪnətiːz kɛlˈsoʊˌɛnsɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Macrobaenetes by its restricted distribution in the Kelso Dunes region of San Bernardino County. As with other sand treader crickets, possess enlarged hind tibiae with rows of spines adapted for digging and moving through loose sand. Specific morphological characters separating it from require examination of genitalia and detailed measurements.
Images
Habitat
Restricted to sandy desert environments, specifically the Kelso Dunes area of the Mojave Desert. Occupies loose, wind-blown sand where it burrows during daylight hours.
Distribution
to California, United States. Known only from San Bernardino County, specifically the Kelso Dunes region of the Mojave Desert.
Behavior
. Burrows into sand during daytime to avoid desiccation and . Activity patterns likely tied to temperature and humidity conditions favorable for surface movement.
Similar Taxa
- Macrobaenetes valgumOverlaps in distribution and shares sand dune ; distinguished by subtle differences in body proportions and genitalia structure
- Macrobaenetes yumanenseOccurs in similar sandy desert in the southwestern United States; separated by geographic range and morphological characters
More Details
Conservation status
Extremely narrow range makes this potentially vulnerable to disturbance from recreational use of the Kelso Dunes area and climate change effects on desert .
Taxonomic history
Described by Tinkham in 1962 based on specimens from the Kelso Dunes. The Macrobaenetes was revised in 1980, confirming its distinct status from related sand treader crickets.