Capnobotes fuliginosus
(Thomas, 1872)
sooty longwing
Capnobotes fuliginosus, commonly known as the sooty longwing, is a large found in arid regions of western North America and Mexico. First described by Cyrus Thomas in 1872, this species reaches up to 75 mm in length and is characterized by its brownish-gray coloration, long , and notably darker that are displayed when the is startled. It produces a loud, continuous, shrill song and is known to be preyed upon by the Palmodes praestans.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Capnobotes fuliginosus: /ˌkæpnəˈboʊtiːz ˌfjʊlɪdʒɪˈnoʊsəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The combination of large size (up to 75 mm), brownish-gray coloration, long with distinctly darker , and shield-like distinguishes this . The behavioral display of exposing dark hindwings when disturbed is a notable field characteristic. The loud, continuous, shrill song is also diagnostic. Similar in the same region generally lack the pronounced contrast between and hindwing coloration.
Images
Appearance
reach up to 75 mm (3.0 in) in length to the wingtips. Body coloration is brownish-gray. The are long, extending well beyond the . are distinctly darker than the forewings. The has a shield-like (shield back). When startled, individuals expose their dark hindwings.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including deserts of California and the Great Basin region. Found in association with vegetation in dry, open landscapes. Highly active on hot nights.
Distribution
Western United States and northern Mexico. Specific records from central Nevada, Utah, southern California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. Mexican distribution includes northeastern Mexico.
Seasonality
active during summer months. Highly active on hot nights.
Diet
. Documented to feed on and of the Bootettix argentatus on foliage during summer. General material consumption also inferred from omnivorous designation.
Host Associations
- Bootettix argentatus - and consumed on foliage during summer
Behavior
Produces a loud, continuous, shrill song. When startled, individuals expose their dark in a defensive display. Highly active on hot nights, suggesting or activity patterns.
Ecological Role
Serves as for the Palmodes praestans, which has been documented to attack and drag even large individuals into its burrow. Also documented as for nematodes. As an including on other , may function as both and prey in desert .
Similar Taxa
- other Capnobotes speciescongeneric may share general body plan and preferences, but C. fuliginosus distinguished by specific coloration pattern and documented distribution
- other desert Tettigoniidaeshare arid preferences, but C. fuliginosus distinguished by combination of large size, long with dark , and shield-like
More Details
Original description
First formally described in 1872 by Cyrus Thomas as Locusta fuliginosus. Later transferred to Capnobotes.
Predator-prey dynamics
The Palmodes praestans, despite being smaller than C. fuliginosus, successfully preys on this . A 1919 publication noted this relationship despite the katydid's 'large size' and 'formidable nature'. A 2005 study documented a wasp dragging a katydid into its burrow.
Historical collection
First recorded at Dinosaur National Monument in 1952, where three were discovered according to Entomological News.