Gammarotettix bilobatus
(Thomas, 1872)
arboreal camel cricket
Gammarotettix bilobatus, commonly known as the arboreal camel cricket, is a North American in the Rhaphidophoridae. It is restricted to California, where it inhabits trees and shrubs in coastal and foothill regions. are active from February through June. The species exhibits distinctive arboreal habits and anti- .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gammarotettix bilobatus: /ˌɡæməroʊˈtɛtɪks bɪˈloʊbeɪtəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The specific epithet "bilobatus" refers to a bilobed structure, likely a diagnostic morphological feature. As a member of Gammarotettix, it can be distinguished from other camel cricket by tribal and subtribal characteristics defined for Gammarotettigini. Arboreal preference separates it from ground-dwelling rhaphidophorid .
Habitat
Arboreal; found in trees and shrubs including California buckeye, California bay, coast live oak, barberry, Monterey pine, black locust, California lilac, and Christmas berry. Occurs in coastal and foothill environments within the Coast Ranges.
Distribution
to California, USA. Documented along the Coast Ranges and south to Gilroy.
Seasonality
emerge in February and persist until June.
Diet
Has been observed on plants including California buckeye (Aesculus californica), California bay (Umbellularia californica), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), barberry (Berberis spp.), Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), California lilac (Ceanothus spp.), and Christmas berry (Heteromeles arbutifolia). Feeding habits on these plants are not explicitly documented.
Host Associations
- Aesculus californica - plantCalifornia buckeye
- Umbellularia californica - plantCalifornia bay
- Quercus agrifolia - plantcoast live oak
- Berberis spp. - plantbarberry
- Pinus radiata - plantMonterey pine
- Robinia pseudoacacia - plantblack locust
- Ceanothus spp. - plantCalifornia lilac
- Heteromeles arbutifolia - plantChristmas berry
Behavior
When threatened by such as the chestnut-backed chickadee (Poecile rufescens), individuals jump to the ground to escape.
Similar Taxa
- Other RhaphidophoridaeGammarotettix bilobatus is distinguished by its arboreal habits; most camel crickets are ground-dwelling or cave-dwelling.
- Other Gammarotettix speciesSpecific identification requires examination of the bilobed structure referenced in the epithet and other subtle morphological characters.
More Details
Predator Evasion
The documented anti- response to chestnut-backed chickadees represents a rare behavioral observation for this .
Endemism
The restricted range within California suggests potential conservation significance, though status has not been assessed.