Idiostatus inermis
(Scudder, 1899)
Unarmed Shieldback
A shieldback to the western United States, characterized by the absence of defensive armature on its . The inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands where it blends with vegetation. It is one of approximately 20 species in the Idiostatus, which are predominantly western North .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Idiostatus inermis: /ˌɪdioʊˈsteɪtəs ɪˈnɜrmɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Idiostatus by the unarmed lacking or projections. The "Unarmed Shieldback" directly references this diagnostic trait. Males possess stridulatory structures on the for sound production. The body is dorsoventrally flattened with a shield-like pronotum extending over the .
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid grasslands, shrub-steppe, and open rangeland vegetation. Associated with bunchgrasses and low shrubs characteristic of western North sagebrush and grassland .
Distribution
Western United States: California, Nevada, and Oregon. Records indicate presence in the Great Basin and adjacent regions of the Intermountain West.
Similar Taxa
- Idiostatus spp.Other in the possess , , or projections on the ; I. inermis is uniquely unarmed.