Idionotus
Scudder, 1894
shield-backed katydids
Species Guides
2- Idionotus siskiyou(Siskiyou Shieldback)
- Idionotus tehachapi(Tehachapi Shieldback)
Idionotus is a of shield-backed katydids in the Tettigoniidae, containing seven described . These insects are to western North America, with records from California and Oregon. The genus was established by Scudder in 1894 and includes species such as the siskiyou shieldback (I. siskiyou) and tehachapi shieldback (I. tehachapi).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Idionotus: /ˌɪdiˈoʊnətəs/
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Identification
Shield-backed katydids in this possess a distinctive pronotum that extends backward to cover most or all of the , giving them a flattened, shield-like profile. This distinguishes them from typical katydids with more slender bodies and abbreviated pronota. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and subtle differences in body proportions and coloration.
Distribution
Western North America; confirmed records from California and Oregon. epithets suggest additional geographic specificity: I. siskiyou (Siskiyou Mountains), I. tehachapi (Tehachapi Mountains), I. tuolumne (Tuolumne County/area).
Similar Taxa
- AnabrusAlso shield-backed katydids with extended pronota; Anabrus are generally larger and include the Mormon cricket, with different geographic distribution
- AtlanticusShield-backed katydids of eastern North America; distinguished by distribution and genitalic differences