Ammopelmatus mescaleroensis

(Tinkham, 1979)

Mescalero Jerusalem Cricket

Ammopelmatus mescaleroensis is a of to the sand dunes of southeastern New Mexico. First described by Tinkham in 1979, it was later found to be with A. monahansensis, which was synonymized under A. mescaleroensis in a 2024 phylogenomic revision. A has been designated for this species. The species is and has been observed in sand dune at night.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ammopelmatus mescaleroensis: //ˌæmoʊpɛlˈmeɪtəs ˌmɛskəˌlɛroʊˈɛnsɪs//

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

Identification

Ammopelmatus mescaleroensis can be distinguished from other Ammopelmatus by its restricted geographic distribution in the Mescalero Sands area of New Mexico and its association with sand dune . As a member of the Ammopelmatus, it possesses the characteristic large, rounded , body, and enlarged hind legs typical of . Definitive identification requires examination of morphological characters and comparison with material; a has been designated for this species.

Habitat

Sand dune in southeastern New Mexico. Specifically documented from the Mescalero Sands Recreation Area in Chaves County, where it occurs in active sand dune systems.

Distribution

to the United States state of New Mexico, specifically in the area around Mescalero and the Mescalero Sands region of Chaves County. The has not been documented outside this restricted range.

Seasonality

have been observed in September, suggesting late summer to fall activity. The appears to be nocturnally active.

Behavior

. Individuals have been observed on sand dunes at night. Like other , likely spends daylight hours buried in sand or soil.

Human Relevance

A sand dune of interest due to its restricted distribution. The contributes to local in the Mescalero Sands .

Similar Taxa

Ammopelmatus monahansensisSynonymized under A. mescaleroensis; originally described from similar sand dune in Texas but found to be
Other Ammopelmatus speciesDistinguished by geographic restriction to Mescalero Sands area; most other occur in California and adjacent regions with different associations

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Stenopelmatus mescaleroensis by Tinkham in 1979. Transferred to Ammopelmatus and later synonymized with A. monahansensis in a 2024 revision based on phylogenomic and morphological analysis. A was designated to stabilize the name.

Conservation Status

As a sand dune with a restricted range, the may be vulnerable to disturbance. The Mescalero Sands Recreation Area provides protected habitat.