Eremopedes ephippiatus

The combination of a greatly expanded, saddle-shaped or shield-like pronotum distinguishes this species from most other North American katydids. Within the genus Eremopedes, specific identification requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with congeners such as Eremopedes scudderi and Eremopedes bilineatus, which share similar ranges.

Adults possess a notably flattened, shield-shaped pronotum that extends backward over the thorax, giving the 'shieldback' common name. The body is robust with enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping. Coloration and detailed body proportions have not been formally documented in accessible literature.

Found in arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States. Specific microhabitat preferences (e.g., ground-dwelling vs. shrub-dwelling) have not been documented.

Recorded from Arizona, Texas, and Utah in the United States, and from Mexico. The Mexican distribution is not resolved to specific states in available data.

Adult activity period has not been formally documented. Based on related Platycleidini species, adults are likely present during summer months.

• Eremopedes scudderiOverlapping distribution in southwestern US; also a shieldback katydid requiring genitalic examination for separation
• Eremopedes bilineatusSympatric in parts of range; similar shieldback morphology necessitates detailed comparison

• katydid
• shieldback
• Orthoptera
• Southwest
• arid

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life