Ammopelmatus kelsoensis
Tinkham, 1965
Kelso Dunes Jerusalem Cricket, Kelso Jerusalem cricket
Ammopelmatus kelsoensis is a large, flightless orthopteran insect to the Kelso Dunes of California. It belongs to the Stenopelmatidae, commonly known as Jerusalem crickets. The is distinguished from by specific leg spine and spur characteristics, including short, spatulate tibial spurs and reduced spines on the fore and hind tibiae. are active in midsummer. The species has been collected exclusively from burrows of Rhachocnemis colonies, where it has been observed preying on nymphs of that .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ammopelmatus kelsoensis: /ˌæm.oʊˈpɛl.mə.təs ˌkɛlˈsoʊ.ɛnsɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from Ammopelmatus muwu by straight (not curved) spur on internal margin of fore tibia, and by hind tibia with first tooth on internal margin and first major tooth on external margin not short and blunt. Leg characters—particularly spine and spur —are critical for identification in this . Distinguished from other Ammopelmatus species by combination of short, spatulate apical tibial spurs and specific spine counts on fore and hind tibiae.
Appearance
Large, striking orthopteran with robust body. Short, spatulate tibial spurs and calcars. Fore tibia with two small spines. Hind tibia with one ventral spine. Reduced or tibial spines on apical margins of caudal tibiae. Short, robust legs adapted for burrowing.
Habitat
Restricted to sand dune . All known specimens collected from burrows within colonies of Rhachocnemis, another orthopteran . The short, robust legs with reduced spines and spurs represent adaptations for arenicolous (burrow-dwelling) existence in sandy substrates.
Distribution
to Kelso Dunes, Mojave Desert, California, United States. No records from other localities.
Seasonality
active in midsummer. All three known specimens collected during this period.
Diet
Predatory. One specimen observed feeding on a small Rhachocnemis nymph.
Host Associations
- Rhachocnemis - associationAll known specimens collected from burrows within Rhachocnemis colonies; on Rhachocnemis nymphs documented
Life Cycle
Little known. collected in midsummer. Developmental details and stages undocumented.
Behavior
Burrow-dwelling. Specimens found in pre-existing burrows of another orthopteran rather than constructing their own.
Ecological Role
within sand dune orthopteran . Specific ecological role poorly documented due to rarity and limited observations.
Human Relevance
None documented. Not known to be of economic, medical, or cultural significance. Extreme rarity and restricted range make it unlikely to be encountered by the general public.
Similar Taxa
- Ammopelmatus muwuOverlaps in and general ; distinguished by curved spur on internal margin of fore tibia and blunt hind tibial teeth in A. muwu versus straight spur and different tooth morphology in A. kelsoensis
- Ammopelmatus mescaleroensisCongeneric sand dune with similar arenicolous adaptations; geographically separated (Mescalero Sands, New Mexico versus Kelso Dunes, California)
More Details
Taxonomic history
of this were studied by John and Rentz (1987), contributing to understanding of cytogenetic variation in the .
Conservation status
Extremely narrow with only three specimens known from single locality. Vulnerable to disruption at Kelso Dunes, though no formal conservation assessment identified in sources.
Etymology
Specific epithet kelsoensis refers to the type locality at Kelso Dunes.