Atlanticus pachymerus
(Burmeister, 1838)
southern protean shieldback
Atlanticus pachymerus, commonly known as the southern protean shieldback, is a of shield-backed katydid in the Tettigoniidae. It occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States, where it replaces the closely related A. testaceus further north. Like other members of its , it possesses large, heavily sclerotized and has been documented as prey for the digger wasp Sphex ichneumoneus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atlanticus pachymerus: /ætlæntɪkəs pækɪˈmɛrəs/
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Identification
Very similar to Atlanticus testaceus, with which it was historically confused. Distinguished geographically: A. pachymerus occurs south of the range of A. testaceus, with the two meeting approximately at the Ozark/Ouachita region. Both share the characteristic shield-backed katydid with reduced wings and an elongated, somewhat flattened body. Prominent coxal spines and large, sharp are present in both species.
Images
Habitat
Associated with forested and woodland in the Ozark/Ouachita region and eastern deciduous forests.
Distribution
Eastern Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas eastward to North and South Carolina; westward into southeastern Oklahoma and northeast Texas. Replaced by A. testaceus further north.
Diet
Has been observed to exhibit carnivory and . Specific dietary composition otherwise undocumented for this .
Ecological Role
Documented as prey for the Great Golden Digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus), which paralyzes katydids to provision nests for its larvae.
Similar Taxa
- Atlanticus testaceusExtremely similar ; distinguished primarily by geographic replacement pattern, with A. testaceus occurring north of A. pachymerus range
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was described by Burmeister in 1838. Historical confusion with A. testaceus has complicated identification, and the two were not consistently distinguished in older literature.
Preservation artifacts
As with many green orthopterans, live coloration (green) fades to yellow-brown after death and pinning, which can complicate identification from museum specimens.