Ateloplus
Scudder, 1894
shield-backed katydids
Ateloplus is a of in the , first described by Scudder in 1894. The genus contains approximately eight described , distributed primarily in the southwestern United States. Species within this genus are characterized by their shield-like that extends over the , a trait common to the shield-backed katydid group. The genus includes the shieldback (Ateloplus luteus), named for its distinctive coloration.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ateloplus: //ˌætɛˈlɒpləs//
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Identification
Members of Ateloplus can be distinguished from other tettigoniid by the enlarged, shield-like that covers most or all of the and . This pronotal structure gives the group its of . Specific identification within the genus requires examination of male and subtle differences in body proportions and coloration.
Images
Distribution
Southwestern United States, specifically recorded from Arizona and California.
Similar Taxa
- Other shield-backed katydid genera (e.g., Idiostatus, Steiroxys)Similar shield-like structure, but differ in geographic distribution and specific morphological details of the pronotum and .
- Typical katydid genera (e.g., Tettigonia, Scudderia)Lack the enlarged shield-like that characterizes Ateloplus; have more elongate bodies with exposed and .
More Details
Species diversity
The comprises eight described : Ateloplus coconino, A. hesperus, A. joaquin, A. luteus ( shieldback), A. minor, A. notatus, A. schwarzi, and A. splendidus.
Taxonomic history
The was established by Scudder in 1894, with additional described by Caudell (1907), Hebard (1934-1935), and Rentz (1972), indicating sustained taxonomic interest in this group over nearly a century.