Ateloplus splendidus

Hebard, 1934

Splendid Shieldback

Ateloplus splendidus is a of shield-backed katydid in the Tettigoniidae. It was described by Hebard in 1934. The species is known from California and is part of the North American fauna. Like other members of the Ateloplus, it possesses the characteristic shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the , giving these insects their of 'shieldbacks.'

Ateloplus splendidus by Rachel Shoop. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ateloplus splendidus: /ˈæt.ə.loʊˌplʊs splɛnˈdiː.dəs/

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

Identification

Members of the Ateloplus are distinguished from other katydids by their greatly enlarged, shield-like pronotum that extends posteriorly to cover most or all of the . This distinguishes them from related genera such as Idiostatus and Steiroxys, which have more typical, shorter pronota. The specific epithet 'splendidus' suggests notable coloration or appearance, though detailed distinguishing features for A. splendidus specifically versus are not documented in available sources.

Images

Distribution

California, United States; North America broadly.

Similar Taxa

Ateloplus notatusAnother in the same with similar shield-backed ; specific differences in size, coloration, or genitalia likely separate the species but are not detailed in available sources.
Idiostatus spp.Related katydids in the same Tettigoniinae, but with much reduced pronotum not extending over the .
Steiroxys spp.Related katydids with abbreviated pronotum and more typical body plan lacking the shield-like structure.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The Ateloplus is part of the diverse fauna of western North America. These insects are sometimes called 'shield-backed katydids' or 'shieldbacks' due to their distinctive pronotal . The 'splendidus' was given by Morgan Hebard in 1934, a prominent orthopterist who described many North American .