Sand-treader Crickets

Utabaenetes

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Infraorder: Tettigoniidea
Family: Rhaphidophoridae
Subfamily: Ceuthophilinae
Genus: Utabaenetes

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Utabaenetes: /ˌjuːtəˈbaɪnətiːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Utabaenetes tanneri by Marshal Hedin. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Utabaenetes is a genus of sand-treader crickets, comprising a single species, U. tanneri, noted for its large size and specialized characteristics suited to sandy desert habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Large, dark color; spines on the underside of hind femora; possesses a 'sand basket' on hind tibiae.

Identification Tips

Utabaenetes tanneri is characterized by its dark coloration and specific body features. It can be distinguished from related genera by a generally darker hue and the presence of spines on the hind femora.

Habitat

Endemic to the desert regions of San Rafael Swell in the western United States, primarily in sandy dune areas.

Distribution

Confined to the San Rafael Swell desert in western United States.

Ecosystem Role

As a sand-inhabiting species, it plays a role in the desert ecosystem, likely as a detritivore or in the food web.

Evolution

Part of the family Rhaphidophoridae, which includes other sand-dwelling species. The genus Utabaenetes is monotypic, suggesting a specialized evolutionary path.