Aglaothorax
Caudell, 1907
ovate shieldbacks
Species Guides
5- Aglaothorax diminutiva(diminutive shieldback)
- Aglaothorax gurneyi(Gurney's shieldback)
- Aglaothorax longipennis(Santa Monica shieldback katydid)
- Aglaothorax morsei(Morse's shieldback)
- Aglaothorax ovata(ovate shieldback)
Aglaothorax is a of flightless katydids in the Tettigoniidae, commonly known as ovate shieldbacks. The genus comprises six described distributed in the southwestern United States. These insects are characterized by their reduced or absent wings and compact, shield-like body form. The genus was established by Caudell in 1907.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aglaothorax: //ˌæɡliəˈθɔrəks//
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Identification
Members of Aglaothorax can be distinguished from other Tettigoniidae by their ovate, shield-shaped body and reduced or absent wings (brachypterous to condition). The is placed in the tribe Apteropedetini, which contains flightless katydids. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters.
Images
Distribution
Arizona, California, and Nevada, United States.
Similar Taxa
- Other Apteropedetini generaShare the flightless condition and compact body form; distinguished by specific body proportions and genitalic .
- Winged Tettigoniidae generaAglaothorax is readily distinguished by its reduced or absent wings versus the fully developed wings typical of most katydids.
More Details
Species diversity
The contains six described : A. diminutiva, A. gurneyi, A. longipennis, A. morsei, A. ovata, and A. propsti. Several species have been described relatively recently (1968–1981), suggesting ongoing taxonomic work.